As part of LGBTQ Nation’s January issue, we asked readers to tell us how one year of the second Trump administration has affected their lives and what they hope LGBTQ+ leaders and allies do differently in 2026.

We received dozens of submissions and are sharing them throughout the month.

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These trans collectives are fighting hate with a lot of laughter & a little lube wrestling

James Eden, a 28-year-old queer trans man, wrote about how badly he wants to be seen as a human being who simply wants to love and be happy.

Here is what he had to say.

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How has living under the second Trump administration affected you personally over the last year?

I don’t think there was a single day this year when I wasn’t worried about every single queer person in this country. I have family members who are queer, who are trans, myself included. I see queer people every day online speaking about how terrified they are of losing jobs, healthcare, and being attacked.

I see our rights on the verge of being stripped away as we are treated like threats, like something awful. Like evil people just waiting to do horrible things. We are literally just people trying to live our lives. We want our loved ones to be safe and happy and healthy, the same as everyone else. We are not a threat. But we will also not be exterminated.

We have been here as long as everyone else on this planet. We are here, and we always will be.

What do you hope to see from LGBTQ+ leaders and allies in 2026?

I don’t even know.

Less in-fighting?

Literally, who cares what label you’re choosing for yourself or what labels you aren’t? We’ll never get anywhere if we don’t go there together.

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