Together We Are Unstoppable - #LGBTQNotGoingBack

I. The Politics of Betrayal

On November 29, 2024, the halls of Congress echoed with a familiar sound - the hollow rhetoric of political expediency. As House Speaker Mike Johnson declared single-sex facilities in the Capitol would be "reserved for individuals of that biological sex," the Democratic response was deafening in its silence. This moment wasn't just about bathrooms; it was about the Democratic Party's willingness to sacrifice trans rights on the altar of perceived electoral advantage.1

The timing is particularly cruel. This moment is about more than just bathrooms; it's about an election where various demographic groups shifted toward Trump, LGBTQ+ voters stood firm in their principles - we were among the only groups that didn't waver.2 Yet here we are, watching the party we've supported consistently prepare to throw us under the bus.

But this isn't just another opinion piece about political betrayal. This is an inconvenient truth about why such betrayal isn't just morally wrong - it's politically stupid.

As Julia Serano pointed out in her recent call to action3, this capitulation isn't happening in a vacuum. It's part of a broader Republican strategy to divide and conquer, starting with trans rights but ultimately targeting the entire LGBTQ+ community. The evidence is clear in the wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation sweeping across red states, from bathroom bills to book bans, from healthcare restrictions to "don't say gay" laws.

What makes this moment particularly critical is that we're not just fighting for today - we're fighting for tomorrow. With 94% of LGBTQ+ Americans motivated to vote, and 72% reporting negative impacts from current political discourse on their mental health and emotional well-being, the risk and costs couldn't be higher.4

Together we will examine the inconvenient truth that Democrats face: abandoning trans rights isn't just a moral failure - it's a mathematical impossibility for any party seeking long-term electoral success. We'll explore why the "political expedience" argument falls apart under scrutiny, and why standing firm on LGBTQ+ rights isn't just the right thing to do - it's the smart thing to do.

Because here's the thing folks: We're not going back. Not to the closet, not to shame, not to silence, not to obscurity. And any political strategy built on the assumption that we will is doomed to fail.

II. The Myth of Political Expedience

Let's start with the fundamental flaw in the Democratic strategy of distancing themselves from trans rights: it's based on a myth of political expedience that collapses under the weight of actual data.

The numbers tell a compelling story. LGBTQ+ voters represent one of the fastest-growing voting blocs in America, with projections showing we'll represent nearly one-fifth of voters by 2040.5 This isn't just about current demographics - it's about a fundamental shift in the American electorate that makes anti-LGBTQ+ positions increasingly untenable.

Consider this: 7.1% of U.S. adults now identify as LGBTQ+, a percentage that continues to grow with each generation.6 This growth isn't happening in isolation - it represents millions of voters, their families, friends, and allies. When Democrats calculate the political cost of abandoning trans rights, they're not just alienating trans voters - they're alienating an entire ecosystem of supporters.

The "strategic" argument for distancing from trans rights typically relies on three false premises:

First, that trans rights are uniquely divisive. This ignores the historical reality that every civil rights advancement was initially portrayed as "too divisive" or "too soon." The same arguments used against trans rights today were used against gay marriage yesterday, and racial integration before that.

Second, that abandoning trans rights will somehow satisfy opponents of LGBTQ+ equality. This is perhaps the most dangerous delusion of all. As we've seen in state after state, politicians who start with anti-trans legislation quickly move to broader anti-LGBTQ+ measures. The recent escalation from Capitol bathrooms to federal buildings isn't an accident - it's a strategy.

Third, that LGBTQ+ voters have nowhere else to go. This assumption ignores both the power of voter enthusiasm and the critical importance of turnout in close elections. When 94% of LGBTQ+ Americans are motivated to vote, and we've proven our loyalty by not shifting toward Trump even as other demographics did, taking our votes for granted isn't just morally wrong - it's politically suicidal.7

The reality is that the Democratic Party's attempt at political triangulation on trans rights represents a fundamental misreading of both the moral moment and the electoral mathematics. In an era where Gen Z - of whom 20% identify as LGBTQ+ - is becoming an increasingly powerful voting bloc, any strategy that alienates these voters is shortsighted at best and catastrophic at worst.8

Moreover, this strategy ignores the lessons of recent electoral history. LGBTQ+ voters have been critical to Democratic victories up and down the ballot. Our community's consistent support, high turnout rates, and growing numbers make us not just a constituency - but a cornerstone of any viable Democratic coalition.9

The myth of political expedience falls apart not just on moral grounds, but on purely practical ones. When a party abandons its core principles in pursuit of phantom voters while alienating its base, it doesn't just lose its soul - it loses elections.

III. The Mathematics of Morality

When we talk about the "mathematics of morality," we're not just engaging in wordplay. We're talking about hard numbers that tell an undeniable story about the future of American politics and the fatal flaw in any strategy that assumes LGBTQ+ rights are expendable.

Let's start with the raw numbers: 7.1% of U.S. adults now identify as LGBTQ+.10 This might not sound like a massive bloc until you consider that presidential elections are often decided by margins smaller than 1%. But that's just the beginning of the story. The real mathematical power lies in three key multipliers: growth, motivation, and influence.

First, let's talk about growth. LGBTQ+ voters aren't just a static demographic - we're one of the fastest-growing voting blocs in the country. Current projections show we'll represent nearly one-fifth of voters by 2040.11 This isn't speculation; it's demographic reality. As each generation feels safer being open about their identity, the numbers continue to climb. The most striking example? Twenty percent of Gen Z identifies as LGBTQ+.12 This isn't a trend - it's a transformation of the American electorate.

Then there's motivation. In the latest polling, an overwhelming 94% of LGBTQ+ Americans are motivated to vote in upcoming elections.13 This isn't just high turnout - it's near-universal political engagement. To put this in perspective, this level of motivation exceeds that of almost any other demographic group. When you combine this motivation with our growing numbers, you start to see why taking LGBTQ+ voters for granted is political malpractice.

But here's where the mathematics gets really interesting: influence. LGBTQ+ voters don't exist in isolation. We have families. We have friends. We have allies. Each LGBTQ+ voter represents a node in a broader network of voters who consider LGBTQ+ rights when making their electoral decisions. For each LGBTQ+ person, they can potentially influence about 7 voters through their social networks.

When Democrats signal they're willing to abandon trans rights, they're not just risking the trans vote - they're risking losing support from a much broader coalition of LGBTQ+ voters and allies who care about civil rights and equality.

The data from recent elections proves this point. In the 2024 election cycle, while other demographics showed volatility in their voting patterns, LGBTQ+ voters remained one of the most reliable Democratic voting blocs.14 This loyalty isn't just admirable - it's mathematically significant. In an era of razor-thin margins and shifting allegiances, throwing away a dedicated voting bloc that consistently shows up isn't just morally wrong - it's politically suicidal.

Let's break down what this means in practical terms. When Democrats consider distancing themselves from trans rights, they need to answer a crucial question: What's the mathematical path to victory without LGBTQ+ voters? The numbers don't add up. You can't alienate a growing, highly motivated voting bloc that represents 7.1% of adults (and growing), maintains a 94% motivation rate, and influences an even larger network of allies and supporters, then expect to win close elections.15

Moreover, this calculation becomes even more stark when you consider future elections. The generational mathematics are clear: with 20% of Gen Z identifying as LGBTQ+, any party that alienates these voters isn't just losing today's elections - they're losing tomorrow's too.16 This isn't just about 2024 or 2028; it's about the long-term viability of a political party in a rapidly changing America.

But perhaps the most compelling mathematical reality is this: LGBTQ+ voters have proven ourselves to be one of the most reliable voting blocs for progressive causes, consistently showing up to support not just our own rights, but a broader agenda of social justice and equality.17 In an era where voter loyalty is increasingly rare, throwing away such a dedicated constituency isn't just bad math - it's political self-sabotage.

The mathematics of morality isn't just about counting votes - it's about understanding that in a democracy, moral imperatives and political realities often align. When Democrats consider abandoning trans rights for perceived political gain, they're not just failing a moral test - they're failing at basic electoral math.

IV. The Human Cost

While we can discuss political strategy and electoral mathematics, we must never lose sight of the real human cost behind these political calculations. Recent data shows that 72% of LGBTQ+ Americans report negative impacts on their mental health and emotional well-being from current political discourse. ¹ This isn't just a statistic - it's a measure of collective trauma being inflicted on our community in real-time.

The Capitol bathroom ban isn't merely symbolic - it represents a tangible degradation of basic human dignity. When Nancy Mace and her colleagues declare that trans people must use facilities that don't align with their gender identity, they're not just making a policy decision. They're forcing people to choose between their safety, their dignity, and their ability to participate in public life. And now, with the proposed expansion to federal buildings across the country, this impact multiplies exponentially.

Consider what this means in practical terms:

• A trans federal employee having to plan their entire workday around bathroom access
• A trans parent unable to accompany their child to the Smithsonian
• A trans veteran facing discrimination at the VA hospital
• A trans citizen being unable to access basic government services

These aren't hypothetical scenarios - they're the lived experiences that Democrats are willing to sacrifice for perceived political gain. The human cost extends far beyond the immediate impact on trans individuals. When political leaders signal that it's acceptable to discriminate against one group, they create a ripple effect that touches entire families, communities, and institutions.

The mental health statistics tell only part of the story. Behind each percentage point are real people:

• Students facing increased bullying because political rhetoric has made them targets
• Workers experiencing workplace discrimination emboldened by anti-trans politics
• Healthcare providers struggling to provide care in increasingly hostile environments
• Parents fighting to protect their children from state-sanctioned discrimination

What's particularly insidious about the current political climate is how it compounds existing vulnerabilities. LGBTQ+ Americans already face disproportionate rates of discrimination in healthcare, housing, and employment. When political leaders abandon their commitment to protecting these basic rights, they're not just failing to solve existing problems - they're actively making them worse.

The impact on youth is particularly devastating. In an era where Gen Z shows unprecedented openness about gender identity and sexual orientation, political betrayal sends a clear message: your authenticity is negotiable, your rights are conditional, and your dignity is expendable. This message doesn't just affect trans youth - it affects all LGBTQ+ young people who learn that their rights can be bargained away for political convenience.

Healthcare access represents another critical dimension of this human cost. When politicians signal that trans rights are negotiable, it emboldens efforts to restrict gender-affirming care, not just for youth but for adults as well. This isn't just about specific medical procedures - it's about the fundamental right to access necessary healthcare without political interference.

The ripple effect through families and communities cannot be overstated. When one member of a family faces discrimination, the entire family is affected. Parents of trans children find themselves fighting battles they never expected to fight. Siblings learn harsh lessons about conditional acceptance. Extended family members are forced to choose between loyalty to family and political allegiances.

Perhaps most perniciously, this political capitulation sends a message to opponents of LGBTQ+ rights that their tactics are working. It validates their strategy of using trans people as a wedge issue, encouraging them to push for even more extreme measures. We've already seen this pattern play out in state after state, where initial "modest" restrictions on trans rights quickly escalate into comprehensive attacks on the entire LGBTQ+ community.

This is why the human cost can't be separated from the political calculation. When Democrats consider abandoning trans rights, they're not just making a cynical political decision - they're actively participating in the erosion of human dignity and civil rights. They're telling an entire community that their safety, their well-being, and their fundamental human rights are negotiable.

The message we must send back is clear: We are not political pawns. We are human beings whose rights and dignity are non-negotiable. The cost of betrayal isn't just measured in lost votes - it's measured in lost lives, broken families, and shattered trust in democratic institutions.

V. The Domino Effect

Nancy Mace's rapid escalation from Capitol bathrooms to a proposed Federal Trans Bathroom Ban affecting Washington DC airports, museums, and federal buildings across the U.S. isn't just mission creep18 - it's a carefully orchestrated strategy. This is the domino effect in action, and it's essential to understand how these dominoes are arranged before they all fall.19

Let's be crystal clear: This isn't about bathrooms. It never was. The bathroom ban is merely the first domino in a longer chain of planned restrictions. We can see this pattern playing out in real time, as Republican lawmakers who start with bathroom bills quickly move to targeting gender-affirming care, implementing "don't say gay" policies, and attempting to censor LGBTQ+ content across all platforms.

The strategy is as old as oppression itself: Start with what seems "reasonable" to the uninformed public, then gradually expand the scope of restrictions. It's no coincidence that the Capitol bathroom ban came first - it's designed to set a federal precedent that can be used to justify broader restrictions. When Democrats remain silent or actively support these "modest" restrictions, they're not just failing to protect trans rights - they're helping to set up the next domino.

Part of this strategy involves attempts to sow division within the LGBTQ+ community itself. We can see anti-LGBTQ+ groups trying to limit or disrupt our connection networks - the potential political and social influence is substantial2021. Our voices and stories matter. Even accounting for the "double-edged sword" nature of social media22, the potential for positive influence and community building remains significant23.

This is why so much attention is given by conservatives, in both air-time, money, and effort to recruit any individual or group within the LGBTQ+ community that sow division against various factions within. Looking at you LGB alliance, Genspect, etc. Not only is this an effort to make anti-trans positions legitimate and socially acceptable, it is an effort to use trans folks as a wedge to sow division within the LGBTQ+ community itself, to divide and conquer, through weakening our political power and expose us to legislative attack. The broader conservative political movement has not forgotten nor forgiven the “attack on marriage” or that it has become increasingly more socially acceptable to portray gay relationships and families in mass media such as ads, television shows, and movies. They did not forget about Roe, and we paid dearly for our complacency.

Consider the progression we've already witnessed in states with Republican trifectas:

• First came the bathroom bills
• Then restrictions on trans athletes
• Followed by bans on gender-affirming care for youth
• Expanding to restrictions on adult healthcare
• Implementation of "don't say gay" legislation
• Broad drag performance bans that effectively criminalize Pride events
• Censorship of LGBTQ+ content in schools and libraries

Each step makes the next seem more "reasonable" to those not paying attention. Each concession by Democrats emboldens those pushing for more restrictions. The GLAAD 2024 voter poll shows that 72% of LGBTQ+ Americans are already reporting negative impacts from this political discourse - and that's before the full domino effect has played out.24

What makes this moment particularly critical is that we're seeing this strategy shift from state-level experiments to federal implementation. These state-level attacks aren't happening in isolation - they're trial runs for a federal assault. The Republican playbook is clear: Test restrictive policies in states where they have full control, then roll them out nationally when the opportunity presents itself. With a federal trifecta looming in 2025, the reality of this and the hazards it represents couldn't be more pressing.

The domino effect isn't just about direct legislative attacks. It's about creating an environment where discrimination becomes normalized and resistance seems futile. When Democratic leaders signal that trans rights are negotiable, they're not just failing to protect one group - they're weakening the foundations of civil rights protection for everyone.

But we see through this tactic. When Democrats remain silent or actively support these "modest" restrictions, they're not just failing to protect trans rights - they're helping to set up the next domino in this cynical game.

This is why the LGBTQ+ community's response must be unequivocal. With 94% of LGBTQ+ Americans motivated to vote, we have the power to stop these dominoes from falling - but only if we act decisively and collectively. ² When politicians calculate the cost of betrayal, they need to understand that we see the full pattern, not just the first domino.

The expansion from Capitol bathrooms to federal buildings isn't the end goal - it's a stepping stone. Each "reasonable" restriction becomes the foundation for the next, more extreme measure. We've seen this pattern play out in state after state, and now it's being attempted at the federal level. The writing is on the wall. The escalation of anti-trans legislation and rhetoric is a blaring alarm that a broader assault on LGBTQ+ rights is underway. In this regard, trans people are the proverbial canary in the coal mine.

Just as canaries were once used in coal mines to alert miners to the presence of toxic gases, the attacks on trans rights are an early warning sign of a poisonous political atmosphere that threatens us all. When the canary stops singing, it's time to evacuate the mine. When trans rights are under assault, it's time for the entire LGBTQ+ community to mobilize in defense of our shared dignity and humanity.

What makes this strategy particularly insidious is how it exploits the general public's limited attention span and understanding. Most people don't follow the progression from "protecting women in bathrooms" to "banning Pride events" - they only see each individual step, carefully framed as "common sense" by those pushing the agenda.

But we see the whole board. We understand that today's "modest" bathroom restriction is tomorrow's comprehensive assault on LGBTQ+ rights. When LGBTQ+ voters remained one of the few demographics that didn't shift toward Trump in 2024, it wasn't just about individual policies - it was about recognizing and rejecting this entire strategy of incremental erosion of rights.25

The message to Democrats must be clear: There is no such thing as a "reasonable compromise" when it comes to basic human rights. Every concession, every moment of silence, every attempt at political triangulation on trans rights becomes ammunition for those seeking to dismantle LGBTQ+ rights as a whole.

This isn't alarmism - it's pattern recognition. The dominoes are lined up, and the first ones are already falling. The only question is whether Democrats will stand with us to stop them, or stand aside and be complicit in their fall.

VI. The Power of Resistance

History has shown us repeatedly that resistance isn't just about saying "no" - it's about building collective power and wielding it effectively. With the majority of LGBTQ+ Americans motivated to vote in upcoming elections, we possess a formidable political force that's only growing stronger.26 But to harness this power effectively, we need to understand both its scope and how to deploy it strategically. Do not Panic, organize!

Let's start with the raw numbers: LGBTQ+ voters represent one of the fastest-growing voting blocs in America, projected to represent nearly one-fifth of voters by 204027. This isn't just demographic drift - it's a fundamental reshaping of the American electoral landscape. When we combine this growth with our demonstrated loyalty in the 2024 election cycle, where LGBTQ+ voters were among the only demographics that didn't shift toward Trump, we see the outline of our collective strength.28

But numbers alone don't tell the whole story. The power of resistance lies in how we organize and mobilize these numbers. Here's what effective resistance looks like in practice:

1. Direct Political Action

   1. Contact your representatives (both Democratic and Republican)

   2. Make it clear that LGBTQ+ rights are non-negotiable

   3. Remind them that our votes come with expectations

   4. Hold the accountable: document and share their responses
      (or lack thereof)

2. Coalition Building

   1. Engage allies and family members

   2. Connect with other marginalized communities facing similar challenges

   3. Build networks of mutual support and political action

   4. Remember: 7.1% becomes much more powerful when multiplied by our allies

3. Strategic Voting

   1. Participate in primaries to support pro-equality candidates

   2. Hold elected officials accountable through organized voter blocks

   3. Remember that local elections matter as much as national ones

   4. Use our high voter motivation (94%) to maximize turnout ¹

4. Community Organization

   1. Create and support LGBTQ+ voter registration drives

   2. Develop networks for sharing information about candidates' positions

   3. Organize transportation to polling places

   4. Support legal challenges to discriminatory policies

The power of our resistance lies not just in our numbers but in our interconnectedness. When Gen Z shows that 20% of their generation identifies as LGBTQ+, they're not just providing statistics - they're showing us the future of American politics.29 This is a future where attempts to marginalize LGBTQ+ people become increasingly politically costly.

But effective resistance requires more than just showing up on election day. It requires sustained engagement and strategic thinking. Here's what you can do right now:

• Immediate Actions:

  • Contact your representatives30

  • Share your story(ies)

  • Join local LGBTQ+ advocacy groups

  • Support organizations fighting legal battles against discrimination

• Long-term Strategy:

  • Register new voters in your community

  • Build networks for rapid response to anti-LGBTQ+ legislation

  • Document discrimination and rights violations

  • Create support systems for affected community members

Remember: Our power comes not just from our numbers but from our resilience. LGBTQ+ voters have consistently shown up for progressive causes, demonstrating that we're not just fighting for our own rights - we're fighting for a more equitable society for everyone. ⁶ This is why we say that trans rights are human rights.

The message to political leaders must be clear: We are not a demographic to be sacrificed for political convenience. We are a powerful voting bloc that demands respect and equal rights. When LGBTQ+ voters show up with 94% motivation rates, we're demonstrating that our rights are non-negotiable. ¹ As my step-family once explained to me a long time ago “when you pick on one bean, you fight the whole burrito.”

This is about more than just resistance - it's about transformation. Every time we stand up, speak out, and vote our values, we're not just protecting our rights - we're building the future we want to see. Our power lies not just in our ability to say "no" to discrimination, but in our ability to say "yes" to a more inclusive and equitable society.

The road ahead won't be easy. But neither was Stonewall. Neither were the fights for marriage equality or workplace protections. What matters is that we stand together, vote together, and fight together. Because when we do, we win together.

VII. No Retreat, No Surrender

As we stand at this critical juncture in American politics, the message from the LGBTQ+ community must be unequivocal: We are not going back. The data speaks volumes - with 94% of LGBTQ+ Americans motivated to vote and our community representing a growing electoral force, any political calculation that treats our rights as negotiable is both morally bankrupt and mathematically flawed. ¹

The Capitol bathroom ban isn't just about bathrooms, and Nancy Mace's proposed federal expansion isn't just about buildings. These are the first moves in a broader strategy to roll back LGBTQ+ rights piece by piece. We've seen this playbook before, and we recognize its pages. When LGBTQ+ voters remained one of the few demographics that didn't shift toward Trump in 2024, we demonstrated our understanding that these attacks aren't isolated incidents - they're part of a coordinated assault on our community's basic rights.31

The mathematics is clear: With 7.1% of adults identifying as LGBTQ+ and growing, we represent a voting bloc that cannot be ignored or sacrificed for political expediency.32 When 20% of Gen Z identifies as LGBTQ+, we're not just talking about current electoral math - we're talking about the future of American democracy itself.33

To our Democratic representatives: Your silence in the face of anti-trans legislation isn't just a moral failure - it's political malpractice. The data shows that LGBTQ+ voters have been critical to victories up and down the ballot. ⁵ We're not just reliable voters; we're engaged citizens who understand that our rights and dignity are non-negotiable.

To our community and allies: The power is in our hands. Contact your representatives. Make your voices heard. Remember that every time we've faced opposition - from Stonewall to marriage equality - we've prevailed through unity, determination, and an unwavering commitment to justice.

The choice for Democrats is clear: Stand with us now, or lose us forever. Because we are not going back. Not to the closet, not to shame, not to silence. The cost of betrayal isn't just measured in lost votes - it's measured in lost lives, broken families, and shattered trust in democratic institutions.

As Julia Serano reminded us in her call to action, this is about more than any single policy or election. This is about our fundamental right to exist freely and openly in society. When 72% of us report negative impacts from current political discourse on our mental health and emotional well-being, we're not just sharing statistics - we're sharing our pain, our fear, and our determination to fight back. ¹

The time for political calculation is over. The time for moral courage is now. Because LGBTQ+ people are not going back - we're moving forward, together, toward a future where our rights aren't up for debate and our dignity isn't a political bargaining chip.

Join us. Stand with us. Vote with us. Because together, we are unstoppable and we are not going back! #LGBTQNotGoingBack