The election results from last week were undeniably devastating for the LGBTQ+ community and for those of us living at the intersections of multiple identities. For our trans and gender-nonconforming siblings—especially Black trans women—LGBTQ+ youth and families, communities of color, survivors, people living with HIV, immigrants, people with disabilities, and low-income folks, the impact of this election will be felt disproportionately in the coming years.

As we face this harsh reality and the uncertainty ahead, it’s vital to care for ourselves and each other, whether that means resting, grieving, or leaning into our communities. But as we sit with this pain, let us also begin to channel it into something powerful—into momentum, into building the solidarity and community that will sustain us through these difficult times. 

In the spirit of finding hope where we can, here are a few key victories from across the states in the 2024 election:

• Hawaii, California, and Colorado passed protections for marriage equality.
• New York passed Prop 1, enshrining bodily autonomy in the state constitution, including abortion rights & gender-affirming care.
• Abortion ballot measures passed in seven states: Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, and New York. Reminder: A win for reproductive freedom is a win for LGBTQ+ rights, as our struggles for bodily autonomy are inseparable.
• In Illinois, Precious Brady-Davis made history as the first elected Black trans woman, receiving over 1 million votes!
• In Kentucky, voters overwhelmingly rejected Constitutional Amendment 2, blocking lawmakers' efforts to use public tax dollars for school vouchers that would fund anti-LGBTQ+ private schools.‍
• LGBTQ+ candidates made history in this election, with voters electing the first out trans representative to U.S. Congress, the first LGBTQ+ Latina representative, and the first LGBTQ+ member of Congress from the South. At least 12 LGBTQ+ candidates will serve in the upcoming Congress.

These victories are a testament to the power of organizing and the tireless work of our state partners, movement leaders, community members, advocates, volunteers, and countless organizations on the ground. Despite the challenges of this election, these state-level wins remind us that progress is possible when we show up for each other. 

The road ahead will be challenging, but we will keep moving forward—together.