An Open Letter to the Queer Community After the 2024 Presidential Election

Dear Queer Community,

If you're reading this, you may be feeling scared or uncertain — just like so many of us — about what lies ahead. The 2024 presidential election is a dark moment for many of us in the LGBTQ+ community for whom this year has already been extraordinarily heavy. More than 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced in 2024 alone, many targeting the transgender community. These are not just statistics; they represent lives — our lives — and the battles we face simply to exist, love, and thrive.

As a cis woman living in a blue state, I'm deeply aware of my privilege. I know that others in our community — trans, nonbinary, BIPOC, and those in marginalized areas — are feeling the weight of this moment even more profoundly. That awareness fuels my determination to fight for all of us, and to leverage every resource at FOLX Health to ensure you have the care and support you deserve.

We've been here before. We know how to rally, to push forward, and to demand our rights.

Our community is no stranger to fear: fear for our safety, fear for our families, and fear for our ability to access gender-affirming care. In a recent survey we conducted, 90 percent of respondents reported feeling anxious or scared about the future. I hear that. I feel that. But I also know this: we are resilient. We've been here before. We know how to rally, to push forward, and to demand our rights. This isn't the first time we've fought for our collective future, and it won't be the last. But we must band together across our beautifully diverse identities to minimize the harm this next administration may bring. That starts with showing up for one another in every way possible.

For those feeling fired up, stay engaged. Your voice matters now more than ever. You are part of a legacy of fighters, visionaries, and trailblazers who have carved paths to freedom, love, and self-expression. Whether your role is marching in protests, creating art that inspires, or simply surviving another day — you are contributing to the strength and brilliance of our collective movement. Your existence is an act of defiance, and your story is invaluable.

At FOLX, we're committed to doing everything we can to provide care, connection, and comfort. In the week following the election, we saw a 69 percent increase in clinical visits booked, a 58 percent increase in new member sign-ups, and a 70 percent increase in membership reactivations. These numbers aren't just data points — they reflect real people seeking care and connection in a time of uncertainty. Many in our community have expressed fears about losing access to essential healthcare under the new administration. If you're one of those people, please know we're here for you. Here's what we're doing to support you right now:

  • 24/7 Mental Health Text Support: Text FOLX to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. Free, confidential, and available in English, Spanish, or via WhatsApp or web browser.
  • Community Chat: Join conversations with your peers in our dedicated FOLX Community platform. It's a space for solidarity, connection, and shared strength.
  • Coping Tools and Resources: We've compiled a guide with mental health strategies, resources, and tips to manage election-related anxiety. Check it out here.

Our commitment to this community is unwavering. We will continue breaking down barriers, amplifying your voices, and standing firm in the fight for equitable care and justice. We will also celebrate the joy within our community as a rebellion against the darkness. We know change doesn't happen overnight, but with resilience, compassion, and unity, we will keep moving toward a future that includes and celebrates every one of us.

With love and solidarity,
Liana Douillet Guzmán
CEO, FOLX Health