One of the great hopes of the 2020 Election resided in the states: would legislatures flip away from majorities of anti-LGBTQ lawmakers and become pro-equality states? Millions of dollars and years of work went into efforts to change the makeup of State Houses and Senates. Unfortunately, many states came up short, and legislatures remain largely unchanged across the country following November 3.

Some changes did occur, albeit not those that we’d hoped for. New Hampshire was the only state to have chambers change control, seeing their Senate and House move from Democratic control to Republican control. The only flip in Governors was in Montana – from term-limited Democratic Governor Steve Bullock to now Republican Governor-elect Greg Gianforte. Only Minnesota remains divided, with the Democrats holding the House and Republicans holding the Senate.

For LGBTQ voters, this raises significant fears. In many of the Republican-held states, we have seen anti-LGBTQ bills introduced that explicitly target our community. Already this year, we have seen three anti-transgender bills pre-filed in Alabama, Tennessee, and Texas, each targeting transgender youth. After the stunning wins in Virginia earlier this year, seeing the amount of anti-LGBTQ lawmakers holding their seats can feel worrying.

However, we are still seeing acceptance on the rise for LGBTQ Americans. Roughly 78% of people believe in nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people, and the incoming Biden-Harris administration is one that will be affirming for our community. The knowledge that we will have federal government officials that won’t spend all their time coming up with new ways to demonize and harm transgender people is a great relief.

We must remember too that support for LGBTQ people is bipartisan. Majorities of both Republicans and Democrats believe in equal opportunity for all folks, including LGBTQ people. And despite an unprecedented attempt by far-right operatives to villainize transgender people through ads in Michigan, Texas, and Wisconsin, voters rejected those efforts and messages. Many states continue to blaze new trails in proactive LGBTQ legislation, like the work being done in Colorado for equitable LGBTQ healthcare, or the strong electoral wins of Basic Rights Oregon, who sent 39 pro-equality legislators to offices throughout the state.

As we view 2021 on the horizon, we know that important fights are coming up: healthcare, redistricting, systemic racism, and much more is on the line. Equality Federation and our member groups will continue to work every single day to build the movement that will carry us to justice and liberation. We know one thing: no matter what happens, we will always have our voice, and when we share our stories, we win. So continue to share your story, support local efforts in your community, and stay vigilant. The future of our community is relying on you.