Graphic by Shay Suban
As of today, it has been a year since Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 45th President of the United States. In just a year, most of his beliefs and actions have completely polarized the country, and many have deeply affected the LGBTQ+ community. Some of our staff members shared their thoughts and feelings about Trump’s presidency so far.
“It still doesn’t feel real. Everything is hazy and anxious and I feel so afraid and drained all the time. I’ve felt like receding back into the closet, I’m petrified of starting my career and facing the sexual harassment that is accepted as the new normal in this country (Trump is a symbol of this), and I’ve felt incredibly radicalized towards anything moderate or conservative.”
– Melodie, Staff Writer
“Being an immigrant, since Trump’s election, a sense of fear and apprehension has grown into my life.”
– Jared Godoy, Staff Writer
“I’ve noticed that my parents, who have accepted my identity, worry for me when I go out now because of the perceived culture of homophobia that Trump and Pence have created.”
– Selvam Sendhil, Staff Writer
“The day that Trump was elected felt almost apocalyptic to me. None of the polls had predicted it, it didn’t make sense. In the last year, I have come to realize that there have been terrible presidents, and while this may be a particularly painfully terrible four years, we have survived terrible before. Trump is not our first bad president and I am almost certain he will not be our last. Recently, other branches of government and people have given me hope. People, thinking and talking and sharing, that’s what is going to get us through the rest of Trump’s term.”
– Isabelle Smith, Staff Writer
“It’s been a year of fear for me. I’ve never been a political person, but I feel that so much is at stake now that we literally cannot sit back and let the government handle our lives. It feels like everything people have fought to change is being dismantled before our eyes. It’s sad. It literally breaks my heart to see families torn apart, and to see liberties taken away. I still can’t believe this is our reality, but we can’t sit back and take it. I never imagined living like this, so scared and worried about my family’s future, and my own.”
– Stephanie Munguia, Photographer
“As a relatively optimistic person, I try not to become too cynical when it comes to discussing the Trump presidency. However, that ideal becomes futile when I see those in my community afraid to remain brave. When I see undocumented persons terrified that their whole lives are about to be ripped apart. When I see such a blatant disregard for black lives. Despite all the horrors, this last year has provided me with a lot of hope. We’ve seen a great surge in activism and advocacy for marginalized groups, as well as an uptick in minorities running for office and WINNING. If nothing else, this last year has reminded me to remain vigilant in action with my fellow siblings of the earth.”
– Shannon Kasinger, Staff Writer
“Essentially, my depression has worsened, but I have become more outspoken and informed. Having never protested before, I joined the Women’s March and the protest against the Muslim Ban at LAX. I also now have my state representatives on speed dial. In addition to igniting action, his election changed how I feel about my country. I hate to admit it, but I did have the false sense that America was the best, most progressive country. For me, the election was a wake-up call, which I came to learn was a privileged reaction, because for many people, protesting has long been a necessity as America has always been a disappointing, hateful place for them. Though I still regularly cry while scrolling through my Twitter feed and feel like I teeter between extreme pessimism and optimism on a daily basis, progressive steps like the elections of Danica Roem and Doug Jones give me hope for the 2018 midterms and an overall better future.”
– Jessica Humphrey, Staff Writer
“On the day of Trump’s inauguration, I took a rainbow bandana I had and tied it around my backpack and carried it around all day. To me, it was a sort of act of rebellion, to be visible in unmistakably marking myself as a queer person. I haven’t taken it off since that day. I’ve definitely got some looks and negative comments as I walked past people, but overall I’ve found it empowering and a finger in the eye to those who would silence me. Looking at you, Trump administration. I will continue to walk around, publicly and unapologetically queer, despite your best efforts to silence our community.”
– Austin Mendoza, Staff Writer and Photographer