On Nov 6., Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election. This news was received diversely among New Jerseyans, given the varied demographics of the state. However, members of the local queer community are collectively grappling with the results.
Transgender dancer at Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts, Matt Gal, was met with a somber campus the day of the results.
“It was just pretty tense – a lot of people were crying in class, a lot of us in group hugs,” Gal said. “Like, [there are] so many tears I’ve seen today.”
The best he could do was be present for his community and try to keep moving forward.
Matt Gal, a transgender student at Rutgers University, shared what his campus was like after the election.
Danielle Vuono | The Montclarion
Slightly at ease that he resides in New Jersey, Gal’s main concern is for his out-of-state friends and peers. Having already undergone gender-affirming surgery, Gal is specifically worried about a trans friend of his from Texas who has not received any treatment or surgeries.
“It just doesn’t look like he’s going to be able to have that [surgery], which freaks me out,” Gal said.
Now more aware of his vote than ever, Gal recognizes how he is directly impacted by voters’ choices. When asked if he has anything to say to Trump and his supporters, he posed a question.
“Just why?” Gal asked.
Another queer individual particularly aware of the value of her vote is Justyanna Fortna, a 21-year-old lesbian enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh.
“As a young female who is also queer, when I vote, every time I vote, I have to vote for my rights,” Fortna said. “When young male, straight, cis voters vote – they are not voting for their rights to live, to get married, to be able to work a job. They’re not voting for that – they’re voting for ‘can I keep my money?’”
Justyanna Fortna (left) was very aware of her vote in this election.
Photo courtesy of Justyanna Forta
Frustrated by the lack of education from her fellow voters, Fortna devotes much of her time to understanding the very ‘complex and nuanced system’ that is the United States government. She owes much of her political awareness to her girlfriend who works in the field of reproductive rights and policy, having held internship positions with government officials.
With extensive knowledge on Trump’s Project 2025, Fortna is fearful of his power, considering the ‘lack of checks and balances’ in the government under his rule.
“If he can overturn Roe v. Wade without even being in office, imagine what he can do in office,” Fortna said. “That’s what’s really fu**ing terrifying.”
Fortna’s awareness was also incentivized by her entering red territory.
“If you plan to live anywhere as a queer person, you have to be aware of these [policies],” Fortna said. “It sucks.”
She is disheartened by the policies that could potentially impact her ability to legally get married or have children, especially if in vitro fertilization (IVF) or adoption are off the table. She is upset that many around her view these topics as politics that do not need to be discussed.
“It’s not politics – it’s my life,” Fortna said. “I can’t help but talk about it, and nobody wants to talk about it.”
Also affected by these very personal political matters is nonbinary, New Jersey-based artist, Morgan Harms. The queer dance teacher and pilates instructor has been feeling Trump’s impact since 2016.
They admit that they were prepared for this result in order to protect and cope, yet they are scared.
“I do think this opens the door for a lot more hatred and transphobia, which is really upsetting,” Harms said.
Noticing a prevalence in transphobic media, led by Trump supporters like Andrew Tate and the Paul brothers, Harms is worried for young viewers.
“Not even just with trans people but the topic of gender and sexuality as well,” Harms said. “That’s where I’m nervous, just because it’s the kids that are being poisoned.”
They are saddened by the fact that children are ‘being fed false information,’ especially through fear tactics, regarding the queer community.
Despite this setback, Harms celebrates the small wins, including Sarah McBride making history as the first trans person elected to U.S. Congress. They also recognize their elders who have been active and can serve as forms of resources and support.
“The rights that we have now, when they were first being fought for – it’s the same thing,” Harms said. “We just have to think about future generations [and] think about the people who fought for us when we were their future generations.”
Morgan Harms, a non-binary artist and dance teacher from New Jersey, is frightened by the potential consequences of the election.
Danielle Vuono | The Montclarion
Harms believes the queer community has the power to make positive change, despite the current state of the U.S. government.
“They want us to feel defeated and hopeless so that we stop trying,” Harms said.
They encourage the community, and others, to seek out activists who are currently working and to get involved.
