Resources for Dealing with Post-Election Grief
Like many folks, we continue to process the various presidential actions Trump took during his first day of office. The White House’s website lists 46 items, including executive orders, memoranda, and proclamations related to his intention to militarize the U.S.-Mexico border, to restore the pace and scale of fossil fuel extraction and energy production, to end birthright citizenship outlined in the 14th Amendment, to pardon Jan. 6 insurrectionists, to create federal definitions of “women” and “girls” as females and “men” and “boys” as males, defining male and female as biological, binary, and immutable, and to terminate all DEI, accessibility, and environmental justice offices and positions across the federal government, just to name a few. Constitutionally, the President can’t create laws, but the position does have broad authority to direct how the federal agencies enforce the law.
While it remains to be seen what the approval, rollout, and implementation of any of these will look like, we want to reiterate that no matter what happens, we will find ways to show up for the community through mutual aid, peer support, and innovative care practices. Political flashpoints like this have amplified issues that impact us directly, stirring up a range of emotions that can be challenging and anxiety-inducing to hold and sit with. To support you during this time, we’ve curated a selection of resources to help you navigate the post-election period with resilience, self-compassion, and community support.

Dear Trans Kids, You Don’t Need the Government’s Permission to Exist
In this op-ed, Raquel Willis offers advice to trans kids on resisting discriminatory times and calls on the strength and resolve of trans trailblazers throughout history. Read the article here: https://www.teenvogue.com/story/dear-trans-kids-raquel-willis

Steps For Transgender People Preparing For Federal Crackdowns Under Trump
Journalist and trans rights activist Erin Reed provides guidance for trans people on steps to take in preparation for anticipated restrictions and legal challenges under Trump’s re-election. Reed’s article covers actions like updating identification documents, obtaining passports with correct gender markers, securing medication supplies, and exploring relocation options to safer areas. Read the article here: erininthemorning.com/p/steps-for-transgender-people-preparing

How to survive the apocalypse (again)
This article by non-binary trans woman Kai Cheng Thom dives into ways to cope and build resilience through community, self-care, and connection. Whether you’re looking for tips on managing stress, tools for self-care, or stories that reflect our shared struggles, this piece offers insight and support for trans folks who know how hard it can be: xtramagazine.com/health/survive-mental-health-homophobia-transphobia-268850

Mental Health and Coping Tools by FOLX
FOLX put together a roundup of coping strategies, mental health services, and tips for managing election-related anxiety: folxhealth.com/library/mental-health-toolkit-resources-to-take-care-of-yourself

Finding Support & Building Community After the 2024 Elections: A Guide for LGBTQIA2S+ Youth
To help support LGBTQIA2S+ young people process the outcome of the election, as well as find support and build community, The Trevor Project has a number of tips to consider and explore: thetrevorproject.org/blog/finding-support-building-community-after-the-2024-elections

How To Survive the Election as a Trans Person
Written by Jade Barber for Queerspace
Written in Australia two years ago, this article offers timeless advice for trans people navigating the challenges of election cycles—advice that applies especially to the 2024 U.S. general election. It highlights how elections often amplify anti-trans rhetoric and policies, impacting trans communities’ mental health and safety. The article suggests strategies for protecting one’s well-being, like setting boundaries on political discussions, staying informed selectively, focusing on self-care, and connecting with supportive communities. By prioritizing personal resilience and choosing how and when to engage, trans people can protect themselves from the intense scrutiny and negativity that often accompany election periods.
Read the article at queerspace.org.au/how-survive-election-trans-person

TWLOHA’s Mental Health Toolkit
The resources in To Write Love on Her Arms’ Mental Health Toolkit offer valuable support for trans people facing the pressures of the 2024 U.S. general election. These resources emphasize coping strategies, self-care practices, and mental health tips that can help individuals manage stress, set boundaries, and seek community support during politically charged times. By providing guides on handling anxiety, grounding exercises, and connection to support networks, TWLOHA equips trans people with tools to navigate the heightened emotional impact that elections can bring.
Access the toolkit at twloha.com/mental-health-toolkit

The 2024 Elections and Beyond: Fortifying Ourselves, Our Organizations, and Our Ecosystems Toolkit
This toolkit from the Building Movement Project offers a series of frameworks and accompanying worksheets for individuals, organizations, and networks to:
- Clarify values and identify roles that benefit the broader ecosystem
- Gather the necessary analysis, partnerships, and tools from our movement “pantry”
- Consider reasons why organizations may want to engage in rapid response efforts
- Explore stances such as Defend, Disrupt, Demand, Document, Discuss, Design, and Deepen
- Fortify our individual and organizational well-being for the months ahead
Access the toolkit at buildingmovement.org/blog/electionresourcestoolkit/

Recording of the Post-Election Live Embodiment Practice
On November 6, 2024, Prentis Hemphill, Alta Starr, and Óscar Trujillo of The Embodiment Institute (TEI) hosted this Post-Election Practice. Watch the recording here.

10 ways to be prepared and grounded now that Trump has won
The key to taking effective action in a Trump world is to avoid perpetuating the autocrat’s goals of fear, isolation, exhaustion and disorientation. Continue reading: wagingnonviolence.org/2024/11/10-things-to-do-if-trump-wins

How To Start A Mutual Aid Program
Big Door Brigade is a website that provides resources for organizing community-based mutual aid efforts. It offers guidance, tools, and examples for building systems of solidarity and support outside traditional charity or government assistance, focusing on community resilience and self-reliance. Visit bigdoorbrigade.com

How To Start A Copwatch
This PDF provides everything you need to know to start a copwatch for your action or community. Copwatching is a form of direct action in which autonomous, loosely affiliated groups set out to observe and document police activity as a way of preventing police misconduct and brutality. Download from workersdefensealliance.org/sites/default/files/2020-07/HOWTOCOPWATCH.pdf