NEWS
Surge in Crisis Calls Among Colorado LGBTQ+ Youth After Trump’s 2024 Election Win Sparks Concern
In the wake of a divisive election, Colorado’s LGBTQ+ youth are being urged to lean on one another and take comfort in the resilience of their communities.
November 17, 2024
Trevor Project
Trevor Project
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By William Cameron
Following the 2024 presidential election, many LGBTQ+ youth support centers and mental health organizations in Colorado saw a surge in crisis calls. The victory of Donald Trump and a resurgence of conservative rhetoric across the country led to an increase in anxiety and fear within vulnerable communities, particularly among young LGBTQ+ individuals. Colorado, known for its progressive stance and robust support network, became a focal point in the growing crisis. The need to offer compassionate and immediate help has put unprecedented pressure on local resources, and the trend reflects a larger nationwide pattern where young people are expressing greater fear for their safety, rights, and future.
For LGBTQ+ youth, the re-election of Trump represented more than a change in policy; it felt like a message that their identity was again a subject of political and social scrutiny. Many recalled the policy rollbacks and hostile rhetoric against LGBTQ+ individuals during Trump’s previous terms, and feared a repeat. In Colorado, where same-sex marriage had been legalized years before it was nationally, and where protections against discrimination were enshrined in state law, many LGBTQ+ youths had grown up believing that their rights and identities were secure. The 2024 election, however, has brought about a wave of insecurity, prompting concerns over protections related to gender identity, sexuality, and personal autonomy.
Katherine, a 17-year-old in Denver, called into a crisis line in the early hours following the election results, feeling overwhelmed and frightened. “I’ve always felt safe here, but now I don’t know,” she said in a statement shared by a mental health counselor at her school. “What if everything we have is taken away?” Her concerns reflect those of countless other LGBTQ+ young people who suddenly felt that Colorado’s progressive environment might not protect them from federal-level hostility. The crisis calls are not just about fear of policy changes but a pervasive sense that their identities make them targets in a society divided along increasingly stark ideological lines.
LGBTQ Teen -Image: Public Domain
Organizations like The Trevor Project, a nationwide crisis intervention network for LGBTQ+ youth, reported a substantial increase in call volume from Colorado. Local advocates noted that while many youths were able to find strength in Colorado’s supportive community, the election results signaled the potential for growing intolerance, even within the state. "Young people are feeling that no matter how accepting their immediate surroundings may be, there's a larger wave they can’t control," explained Dr. Lindsay Cortez, a psychologist specializing in LGBTQ+ mental health in Boulder. Dr. Cortez went on to describe that many of her young clients expressed feeling betrayed by the electoral system and worried that the policies they'd relied on for protection might be in jeopardy.
Schools and universities across Colorado have reported higher numbers of students requesting mental health services in the wake of the election. The Colorado Department of Education quickly released a statement encouraging educational institutions to create safe spaces and provide emotional support to students affected by the election outcome. Denver Public Schools, one of the largest school districts in the state, set up additional counseling hotlines specifically targeting LGBTQ+ students. However, even with these measures, counselors are finding it difficult to meet the rising demand for support.
Community centers, such as the Center on Colfax in Denver, have also been inundated with requests for help and safe spaces. “These youth are experiencing a collective trauma,” said Devon Rivera, who leads the LGBTQ+ youth outreach program at the Center. Rivera explained that many young people who identify as LGBTQ+ are struggling with a complex mix of emotions: fear for their personal safety, anxiety about losing hard-won rights, and an overall sense of hopelessness. “They don’t just need someone to talk to; they need reassurance that they have allies who will fight for them, no matter what.”
Compounding the mental health crisis is the reality that many LGBTQ+ youth also face family rejection. For those whose families are unsupportive or whose parents voted for conservative candidates, the election has widened the gulf between young people and their families. For LGBTQ+ youth in rural Colorado or more conservative areas, this election has exacerbated feelings of isolation. Many fear bullying or harassment, and for some, the election has stirred up old memories of discrimination they thought were behind them. Counselors have expressed concern that these rising tensions may lead to an increase in self-harm or even suicide among the state’s LGBTQ+ youth.
Local government officials are not blind to the impact this election has had on the LGBTQ+ community, particularly its young members. Governor Jared Polis, the nation’s first openly gay governor, issued a statement affirming that Colorado will continue to be a safe and supportive place for all residents, regardless of federal policies. “We know that Colorado’s young LGBTQ+ community is hurting,” he said in a public address. “We want to assure them that they are not alone and that we will continue to protect their rights and dignity.” However, advocates worry that without concrete action, these words may not provide enough comfort to those in crisis.
Amidst the rise in crisis calls, some grassroots organizations have sprung into action, seeking to offer more immediate support. One such organization, Rainbow Youth Colorado, based in Fort Collins, has organized peer support groups and mobilized a team of volunteers to handle the influx of calls from distressed youths. Maria Sanchez, the founder of Rainbow Youth Colorado, said that they have also launched a campaign to raise funds to expand their crisis response team. “We’re hearing from so many young people who are scared and confused,” Sanchez said. “They need to know that Colorado is still a place where they can live their lives openly and with pride.”
LGBTQ Teen -Image: Public Domain
Mental health professionals have raised concerns that this period of crisis could have long-term effects on LGBTQ+ youth. “This isn’t just an emotional response to a political event; it’s a real mental health crisis with lasting repercussions,” said Dr. Cortez. She fears that if the emotional needs of these young people aren’t met, the community could see higher rates of depression, anxiety, and even suicide in the coming years. Dr. Cortez and her colleagues have called for an increase in funding for LGBTQ+ youth programs and mental health services to meet the needs of young people feeling lost in the current political climate.
As Colorado moves forward, its community leaders, mental health advocates, and LGBTQ+ organizations are working tirelessly to ensure that young LGBTQ+ individuals know they are supported. In the wake of a divisive election, Colorado’s LGBTQ+ youth are being urged to lean on one another and take comfort in the resilience of their communities. The commitment to creating safe spaces, providing immediate mental health resources, and fostering inclusive support networks is more vital now than ever. For many young people, the message is clear: despite national challenges, they have allies who will continue to stand beside them and fight for a world where they can feel safe, valued, and celebrated.
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About the author
With a 24-year background in print advertising sales and publishing, a love for art and design, and steadfast determination, William has helped develop and execute the successful launch of three publications over his career; METROMODE being his own. As the Creative Director, he sets the brand's vision and leads a talented team of writers while bringing his creative abilities (16-years in graphic design) to designing each issue.