As a parent, you raise transsexual child in Colorado, I feel tremendous gratitude for the protection our state provides. We haven’t had any challenges navigating the care or school policy. None of our friends or family have turned away from us or misgendered our child. I know how incredibly rare our experience is, given that I’ve had several conversations with parents I’ve never met who live in red states, have transgender issues, and are considering uprooting their entire lives for the safety of their children. I have never cried during one of these calls.
I’m pissed off that all trans people in this country don’t get the kind of institutional support that mine does. And given the re-election of Donald Trump, I fear this will only become more common. Project 2025, a conservative plan for the Trump administration, advocates a binary definition of sex, wants to remove terms like “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” from federal law, bans federal funding for gender-affirming care and promotes research on the “adverse effects” of such care, among other efforts to undermine the rights of LGBTQ+ families.
But without a doubt, state laws will make a big difference. The 2025 legislative season is barely underway, but almost 120 anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ+ bills have already been introduced across the country. These laws aim to limit rights to health care, education and public housing. A 2024 study showed that such laws directly correlate with an increase in suicide attempts among LGBTQ+ youth. Despite heartbreaking testimony from doctors, parents and LGBTQ+ people, many red state lawmakers continue to push these harmful measures forward.
For families like mine, living in a blue state provides a sense of security. But the fight for equality is far from over. Now more than ever, blue states have a responsibility to lead — not only to protect their residents, but to act as a counterweight to a potential federal rollback of rights under a Trump administration.
The role of the blue states as leaders in the resistance
“Blue states have not only the power but also the responsibility to advance policies that can help protect the most vulnerable communities,” said Ezra Levin, co-executive director of Indivisiblea progressive grassroots movement. Levin points to governors in states like California, Colorado and Illinois as examples of leaders who are already engaging in proactive measures, including calling for special seasons and forming coalitions like Governors who protect democracy.
“If you’re lucky enough to live in one of the 15 states with a Democratic trifectayou have representation that can do something to push back against the policies coming,” says Levin. “But we have to push our elected officials to create the policies we want to see.”
For families like mine, these aren’t just talking points; they are lifelines. These policies allow LGBTQ+ people to access care without fear and to show up authentically in their communities.
Harnessing local power is key
According to Nadine Bridges, executive director of the LGBTQ+ rights organization A Coloradolocal politics are extremely influential for queer people’s lived experiences. “We don’t know what’s going to happen at the federal level, but we do know that if we want to affect long-term change, we have to start on the ground with things like school boards, city councils or even your sheriff.” she says. “Daily life is more affected by what happens locally.”
We saw the power of local advocacy in Colorado in 2024 when conservative activists proposed 30 ballot initiatives aimed at limiting LGBTQ+ rights. These included a ban on gender-affirming care for minors and attempts to prevent trans girls from playing school sports. Thanks to persistent lobbying at the city and state level, none of these measures made it to the ballot. This victory was a reminder of the power that exists in local government—power that, when harnessed, can protect vulnerable communities from harmful policies.
“Your power is where you are,” agrees Levin. “These laws and the plan for Project 2025 are meant to divide and conquer. Because it’s big and scary, it can drive people to a sense of powerlessness, but all the political power is not just in Washington. There are thousands of elected officials across the country with power, and they can push back against the federal government.”
Blue State organizations need your support
Living in a blue state offers relative safety for families like mine (for now), but Bridges is quick to remind us that this is a time for action, not complacency. “Sometimes there’s an assumption that blue states don’t need support, but that’s not the case,” Bridges says. “We need financial support to help build a plan for how this work can be done. Blue states can show what’s possible, but only if we get the support.”
Organizations that support LGBTQ+ rights rely on monetary donations to sustain their work, so if you have the means to give, that’s incredible. But Bridges adds that social capital is also important. Sharing information, giving the media and elected officials the right narratives, leaning into trans joy, raising concerns at a local PTA meeting—all these touchpoints make an impact. However you can give to the community, whether it’s investing financially, socially or with your time, it will help.
Practical steps for LGBTQ+ allies
If you want to make a difference, start by paying attention to what’s happening at the local level. Attend school board meetings, research the city council’s agenda and collaborate with local leaders. Find candidates for gender equality and support them, either through donations, volunteering or simply spreading the word. If you already have representatives who are aligned with your values, let them know their work is appreciated. A simple “thank you” can go a long way.
Then connect with others in your community who share your values and who also want to take action in some way, whether it’s forming mutual aid programs, supporting a candidate, running a letter-writing campaign, or something else. As Levin says, “Individually we have almost no power, but organized, even in small groups, gives us the power to pressure our officials.” It also gives us the comfort of being in community.
If you’re not sure where to start in connecting with others, Bridges suggests reaching out The Equality Associationwhich has a presence in almost all states. National organizations with local footprints such as Indivisible, PFLAGand Chamber of Mothers are also great resources. Bridges says that if none of this works, “just meeting for coffee and talking to others will be important and helpful, if you have people you can trust. Storytelling and community connections are important parts of changing hearts and minds.”
Finally, advocate for policies that build a foundation for long-term equality, such as safe harbor laws that Colorado Governor Jared Polis was signed in 2023. Encourage your representatives to establish legal defense funds, adopt progressive contracting standards, or form alliances to protect marginalized communities.
Protecting LGBTQ+ communities requires all of us to act—whether we’re speaking at a PTA meeting, hosting safe spaces, advocating for government policies, or being a supportive parent, family member, or friend. Every step, no matter how small, contributes to a larger movement of love, support and equality. As Bridges says, “Sometimes activism is right at home, making sure your family or your child is seen and heard and feels loved and welcome. Every piece is a piece of the puzzle to equality.”
Blue states must lead the way — not just for their residents, but for the entire country. By pushing for progressive policies, supporting advocacy organizations, and getting involved in local government, we can build a future where families like mine don’t have to live in fear. And by doing so, we can show the rest of the country what is possible when we choose compassion over fear and division.
Tiffany Nieslanik is a freelance writer in Denver, CO with over a decade of experience. She generally covers working motherhood, parenting, travel, music and lifestyle trends.
