As Donald Trump ramps up his campaign rhetoric ahead of the 2024 election, his dangerous language and lies are fanning the flames of hatred that could put LGBTQ+ lives at risk. At a recent rally, Trump claimed that Democrats were attempting to kill him, further fueling the dangerous division in the country. His inflammatory comments, along with those of his family and allies, are stoking violence and providing a green light for extremists to target marginalized communities, including the LGBTQ+ population.
Trump has long aligned himself with Christian nationalists who have used their religious beliefs to justify discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals. By framing the culture wars as a battle between “good versus evil,” Trump is giving voice to the far-right extremists who want to see the erasure of LGBTQ+ rights. His rhetoric isn’t just about gaining political power; it’s about igniting the kind of hate that puts lives in danger.
For LGBTQ+ activists, Trump’s behavior is a reminder of a darker era, reminiscent of his mentor Roy Cohn’s crusade in the 1950s that vilified both communists and homosexuals. Fast forward to 2024, and Trump’s attacks against the LGBTQ+ community have emboldened hate groups and individuals who are ready to act on their worst impulses.
With LGBTQ+ youth already facing unprecedented levels of discrimination and mental health challenges, Trump’s obsessive tirades could have deadly consequences. His focus on triggering hate, including against LGBTQ+ people, comes at a time when extremists feel more empowered than ever, a reality that Vice President Kamala Harris has acknowledged, stating, “Members of the LGBTQ community don’t feel safe right now.”
Trump’s words are not just politics—they’re a direct threat to the safety and well-being of LGBTQ+ Americans. As his campaign marches on, the question looms: how much more harm will his obsession with hate cause before something is done to stop him?
