America at the Crossroads:
Challenges, Hope, and the Fight Ahead
A Brighter Tomorrow Starts Today
The tumultuous events of 2024 have left many of us grappling with a profound sense of uncertainty. From President Biden’s seemingly declining health, to the pressure campaign that led to his stepping aside, to Kamala Harris stepping in as the Democratic nominee so late in the race, and ultimately, the election day loss—this past year tested the very fabric of our democracy. While there were moments of hope and resilience, many Americans now fear those brighter days are behind us as we cautiously step into 2025.
Since Donald Trump’s emergence onto the political stage, the trajectory of American politics has grown increasingly divisive. The bitter partisanship, while not new, has been exacerbated to levels that threaten the very foundations of our nation. Yes, the seeds of division have long existed, but Trump’s rise empowered a vocal, hateful minority to step out of the shadows. While I still believe that these voices do not represent the majority of Americans, their influence and dedication to reshaping the country—as the 2024 election has starkly demonstrated—are undeniable.
Trump’s journey began with a direct attack on immigrants, a moment that many, including myself, dismissed as a publicity stunt destined to fail. I was wrong. Time and again, Trump defied expectations, culminating in his election in 2016. From the start, his slogan, "Make America Great Again," carried a troubling undertone—not in its desire for greatness, but in its implication that such greatness was a relic of the past.
A History of Injustice
As someone who cherishes history, I’ve always viewed America as a nation of immense promise, yet one that has rarely lived up to its potential for all its people. For straight, white, Christian men, certain moments in our past may indeed seem “great,” but for the vast majority—women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, non-Christians, and others—those same periods were fraught with systemic discrimination and exclusion.
It’s important to remember how recent many of our societal advancements are. It’s been just 70 years since Brown v. Board of Education desegregated public schools, 144 years before women secured the right to vote, and less than 50 years since women could obtain a credit card without a male cosigner. Until 1961, states openly barred atheists from holding public office, and even now, religious privilege permeates our currency, our pledge, and our national identity.
For the LGBTQ+ community, progress has been equally hard-won and tenuous. Sodomy laws remained enforceable until 2003, marriage equality wasn’t secured until 2015, and even then, discriminatory adoption laws and religious freedom exemptions undermined those rights. The military’s "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" policy ended only 13 years ago, and the right of trans individuals to serve openly in the military—briefly secured in 2017—was quickly rescinded by Trump that same year.
And then there’s Roe v. Wade, a cornerstone of women’s reproductive rights, overturned after more than 50 years. How did we get here? The election of Donald Trump and his ability to reshape the judiciary with alarming efficiency.
A Darker Future for Marginalized Communities
As a proud and patriotic trans American, I enter 2025 with a justified sense of fear. The 2024 election was one of the most transphobic in our history, with millions of dollars spent demonizing people like me. The advertisements, filled with misinformation and hate, focused on issues like transgender participation in sports and access to gender-affirming care. They painted transgender people as existential threats to the nation, distracting from real issues like inflation, healthcare, and personal freedoms.
Even with the historic election of Sarah McBride, the first openly trans member of the U.S. House of Representatives, the attacks have been relentless. Before she has even been sworn in, Sarah has faced a barrage of hateful rhetoric from those she’ll soon be working alongside. It’s a reminder that the fight for equality is far from over.
Trump’s 2024 campaign has only escalated his war on transgender rights. Proposals to erase our existence through restrictive definitions, criminalize our medical care, and deny us basic dignity signal a dangerous road ahead. The Trump of 2024 is even more extreme than the Trump of 2016, emboldened by a Republican Party fully aligned with his MAGA vision.
Fighting Back in 2025 and Beyond
The next four years will be challenging. While some of Trump’s more outlandish proposals—such as dismantling entire government departments—may falter, others, like attacks on civil rights and a national abortion ban, have a real chance of becoming law. Yet, we cannot afford to despair. Authoritarian regimes thrive on the dehumanization and demoralization of their opponents. We must remain engaged and committed to change. Here’s how:
Be an Active Voter: The GOP will continue to erect barriers to voting. We must be prepared to overcome these obstacles, assist others in doing the same, and vote in every election. A straight Democratic ticket is crucial, as the MAGA strain has infected the Republican Party at all levels.
Run for Office: While daunting, running for office is essential. Local races often go uncontested, leaving the GOP unchallenged. Reach out to your county Democratic Party and organizations that support candidates. We need strong voices willing to step up.
Engage Locally: Join your local Democratic Party. Yes, it can be frustrating. In rural areas, these groups can be small, insular, and demoralized. But persistence and passion can revitalize them. Present plans, show your dedication, and don’t give up.
Attend Local Meetings: School boards, city councils, and county commissions are where many harmful policies begin. Show up, speak out, and hold these bodies accountable.
Protest Strategically: Focus your energy locally. While state capitals often attract large protests, targeting local districts can be far more impactful. A protest in a representative’s hometown is harder to ignore.
Hope on the Horizon
In two years, we have the chance to shift the balance of power in the midterms. While Republicans often dominate midterm turnout, we can change that narrative. By organizing, mobilizing, and staying committed, we can begin to restore some balance and limit the damage of the next four years.
Most importantly, we must not lose hope. As bleak as things may seem, giving up is not an option. The fight for our democracy, for equality, and for a brighter future continues—and it needs each and every one of us. Together, we can make progress. Together, we can build a better America.