LGBTQ+ Progress at Risk: Advocacy Groups Respond as Trump Begins Second Year

As President Donald Trump begins his second term, LGBTQ+ advocacy groups are gearing up for a more assertive stance, armed with new data that highlights the rapid erosion of LGBTQ+ progress under the current administration.

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) recently held its 2026 Election Strategy Kick-Off in Washington, D.C., unveiling fresh polling data on how the Trump administration's policies have impacted LGBTQ+ Americans. The event, hosted by HRC President Kelley Robinson, featured discussions with MSNBC's Jonathan Capehart, Reproductive Freedom For All President Mini Timmaraju, and Joey Teitelbaum from Global Strategy Group. They highlighted the urgent political and cultural challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community, as well as strategies for pro-equality candidates to counter the rise of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and policies.

Declining Acceptance and Visibility

New data from HRC and Global Strategy Group presents a concerning outlook for LGBTQ+ Americans, focusing on declining acceptance, safety, and economic security. The survey reveals that 21.6% of U.S. adults perceive a decrease in acceptance of LGBTQ+ people over the past year, with the figure rising to 29.7% among LGBTQ+ adults.

This decline in acceptance translates into behavioral changes. Nearly 47.5% of LGBTQ+ adults report being less open about their identity in various aspects of their lives, attributed to cultural shifts and executive actions by the Trump administration. Specifically, 26.5% feel less out at work, 25.4% in healthcare settings, and 28.3% in public spaces. Historically, being visibly LGBTQ+ has been linked to greater societal acceptance.

More than half of LGBTQ+ adults, 51.1%, report reduced visibility compared to a year ago. Among LGBTQ+ parents with school-aged children, 40.1% feel less visible at their children's schools, marking the highest rate of retreat in surveyed environments.

"Visibility — something we fought generations to build — is slipping before our very eyes," Robinson stated. "Half the community retreating back into the closet is distressing, yet understandable in these times," added Capehart. "The danger is when people disappear from public life, as it becomes easier to ignore their suffering."

Research consistently shows that increased visibility correlates with greater public support for LGBTQ+ rights. Knowing someone who is LGBTQ+ significantly boosts support for equality, creating a positive feedback loop. However, this loop seems to be reversing.

Political Opportunities Amid Cultural Challenges

Despite cultural setbacks, the data reveals a political opportunity for candidates advocating for equality, especially in competitive districts. Polling indicates that voters in these areas overwhelmingly support nondiscrimination protections and LGBTQ+ equality, expressing concern over politicians interfering in personal lives while neglecting pressing issues like healthcare and public safety.

According to Teitelbaum, GSG's senior vice president for research, Republican messaging on transgender issues is notably out of step with the electorate. "In no state have we seen more than 18% of voters say being transgender should be illegal," he said. "This means that over 80% of Americans do not align with Republican views, providing room for us to go on offense."

HRC leaders cite the recent Virginia gubernatorial race as a successful example of navigating anti-trans attacks. Democratic Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger faced intense anti-trans messaging but maintained a focus on economic and quality-of-life issues, resulting in a decisive victory.

Economic and Healthcare Challenges Intensify

Beyond cultural dynamics, the survey highlights that the administration's policies are adversely affecting the economic and health status of LGBTQ+ Americans. LGBTQ+ adults are twice as likely as their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts to report a worsening financial situation over the past year. The rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives is cited as a key factor contributing to a hostile workplace environment. Among LGBTQ+ employees whose organizations reduced DEI programs, 57.4% reported experiencing stigma or bias.

Access to healthcare is also deteriorating, with significant barriers to HIV prevention and treatment. LGBTQ+ adults on Medicare or Medicaid face more than double the difficulty in accessing HIV care compared to those with other insurance types. Among those earning less than $75,000 annually, 41.5% report challenges in accessing HIV prevention or treatment.

"Since Donald Trump returned to office, LGBTQ+ Americans are worse off in every area measured by this survey compared to a year ago," Robinson emphasized. "We are less visible, less safe, and less economically secure."

Strategy for Advocacy and Progress

In response, HRC is calling for more pro-equality candidates to run strategically. The organization has developed a campaign playbook to help candidates define themselves, counter anti-trans attacks, and promote their values. The framework includes:

• Sharing personal stories before attacks arise
• Leading with core values
• Addressing concerns directly
• Turning the tables on opposition
• Going big with their campaigns

U.S. Representative Julie Johnson from Texas, the first openly LGBTQ+ member of Congress from the South, echoed the call for more inclusive leadership. "They hope the politics of hate and division will distract voters from their failure to address critical issues," she said. "We cannot allow them to succeed. The answer is not silence but preparation."

Robinson concluded with a stark reminder of the stakes. "This is a different United States of America than it was just months ago," she said. "Preserving democracy and protecting LGBTQ+ lives both require winning power and refusing to back down."