On Nov. 3, voters showed up to the polls in record breaking numbers and helped push local, state and national victories for the LGBTQ+ community while also revealing areas where further advocacy is needed—namely in combating anti-trans sentiment. While the electorate voted against anti-trans ballot initiatives in some states, others in Arizona, Colorado, Nebraska and Washington all voted to approve measures restricting trans students’ participation in school, college sports and access to certain private spaces. The fight to protect trans youth is clearly not over.
There was also encouraging news: pro-LGBTQ+ candidates won across the country, proving that you don’t have to throw transgender people under the bus to win elections. And here in California, voters chose investment over austerity. Last week’s results reaffirm that affordable housing, healthcare, education and a strong social safety net are investments in the dignity and stability of our communities, including LGBTQ+ people who disproportionately rely on these essential services.
That energy of civic engagement was present in our own work with volunteers, too. With the Midterm Elections behind us, we want to thank the 40+ volunteers who joined this year’s battle to reduce anti-trans bias in San Gabriel Valley. As a result of your efforts, we knocked on over 2,000 doors and had almost 600 conversations with voters about the importance of protecting access to gender-affirming care for trans, gender-expansive and intersex (TGI) youth.
The results speak for themselves: by the end of our campaign, roughly 1 out of 5 voters said their views had shifted after speaking with our canvassers. That’s a 20% change in public opinion that would not have happened had we not been out at the doors!
Deep canvassing, our organizing strategy that leads with curiosity, is a tool for changing hearts and minds; deep canvassing is not instant gratification.
Maria Do, Community Mobilization Manager
Across the political spectrum, volunteers not only helped raise awareness, but also educated voters and addressed their concerns and biases through storytelling and resources in English, Spanish, Mandarin or Vietnamese. Some voters had never met a transgender person and were not aware of attacks on the community. Others did not know the extent of the life-threatening impacts to TGI youth who lose access to care. Still others expressed hesitancy about supporting our cause due to fear and misinformed beliefs about the benefits of care. Our team tackled each of these conversations with care and conviction—extending a bridge of understanding by sharing their personal, real, lived experiences.
Deep canvassing, our organizing strategy that leads with curiosity, is a tool for changing hearts and minds; deep canvassing is not instant gratification. This work is akin to planting seeds of knowledge and connection which take time to bear fruit. To the volunteers who spent their weekends with us, we are eternally grateful that you joined our efforts to build a better world for trans youth.
To prospective volunteers who feel inspired to get involved in the future—the fight continues! We plan to ride the momentum of the election and keep advocating for the LGBTQ+ community into the next year. For those who want to organize alongside us as volunteer leaders, we want to cultivate your skills and build power with you! Please feel free to reach out to us via email for ways to engage and keep your eyes peeled for our next call to action!
