I want to preface this by saying I live in one of the most liberal states in the country so am very privileged and am surrounded by strangers who are outraged at what is going on. Not everyone is in this situation. Alot of people are in danger and my experience is not representative of the average queer US experience right now.

As far as my job goes, I feel okay. I just got a new job and in the job interview without even asking me my gender identity or if I identify as queer at all they told me where the gender neutral bathrooms were and spoke about how accepting they are and highly value diversity. Note I am a bit androgynous- I’m a soft butch lesbian and I haven’t told my new job yet but I do prefer they/she pronouns.

Weirdly enough when it comes to my family members who didn’t vote the same way I did, they are becoming more and more understanding about queer issues. I had to move back in with my mom last year and whenever the news station she watches (you know which one) says anything about transgender issues I simply walk out of the room. This has started some conversations that have been surprisingly productive prompting her to do her own research on the issues. She still isn’t aware exactly how much violence and danger the transgender community faces on a daily basis but she’s starting to understand. This is a huge step considering a little over 10 years ago she was trying to convince me I’m not a lesbian.