Youth's Lives Every Day
This week, all eyes were on the 2026 U.S. midterm elections. At The Trevor Project, we were watching closely, knowing that the outcomes could have a significant impact on the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ+ youth in the U.S., the rights and protections of our communities, and the work that we do every day to build a healthier, more equitable future for queer and transgender young people.
And the midterm results are in.
This election cycle brought historic victories for LGBTQ+ representation, meaningful progress for LGBTQ+ rights across the country, and plenty of reasons to feel hopeful about what comes next. At the same time, not all results were positive, as a few states passed measures to restrict the rights of transgender young people.
Today we are holding two truths: there is still work to be done, and there are victories worth celebrating. So, what are the key takeaways from the 2026 midterm elections for LGBTQ+ young people? Here are five major moments worth celebrating and understanding.
1. Virginia voted to protect marriage equality.
On election day in Virginia, residents voted to approve three amendments. On Question 2, Virginians replied affirmatively with 56% of the vote to remove the same-sex marriage ban from the state’s constitution. This vote marks a major milestone as Virginia becomes the first southern state to enshrine marriage equality in its constitution.
2. Missouri voted to protect healthcare for trans youth.
Missouri voters rejected a ballot initiative that would place a permanent ban on best-practice healthcare for transgender young people. In rejecting this amendment, the residents of Missouri have rejected trans fearmongering.
3. Vermont voted to protect LGBTQ+ residents from discrimination.
Residents of Vermont overwhelmingly approved explicit constitutional protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. With nearly 80% of the vote, an important safeguard has been put in place for minority groups in Vermont.
4. A historic wave of LGBTQ+ candidates were elected to office.
Across the country, queer and transgender candidates made history and won elections. From local communities to the halls of Congress, voters showed up for queer and trans leaders — delivering the country 17 openly-LGBTQ+ federal lawmakers, a record breaking number. A few of these newly elected officials include:
- New Hampshire’s Chris Papas became the first out gay man elected to the U.S. Senate.
- Jaelynn Scott from Washington was elected the country’s first out Black trans state lawmaker.
- Allison Montogomery was voted into Alabama’s state legislature, making her the state’s first transgender lawmaker.
5. Political attacks on transgender young people played an outsized role. While many failed, some advanced.
This midterm election cycle saw nearly $400 million spent on anti-transgender political ads in elections all across the country. Yet in many races, voters rejected anti-trans rhetoric and focused on the issues that mattered most to them. Still, voters in Nebraska, Arizona, and Washington passed anti-transgender initiatives that restrict transgender young people’s access to sports and school facilities. The outcome of two measures in Colorado are currently too close to call.
We see that political mis- and disinformation about transgender youth continues to cause harm. And these setbacks are real, but so is the hope for change. Leaders across parties and states must let transgender young people and their families live their lives — not use them as political pawns.
Moving forward in this historic moment.
These victories happened across different states and political landscapes. They are a reminder that LGBTQ+ folks are a part of every community in this country — we’re their neighbors, teachers, local leaders, community members, and people who deserve the same opportunities to shape our futures.
Tuesday’s results show that when people have the opportunity to know us, and see us for who we are, they support us. And our ability to live and lead in our communities should never be up for debate.
Even as we celebrate historic achievements for our community, we know that this election cycle was difficult, filled with hostile political rhetoric. We know that elections alone cannot undo the challenges LGBTQ+ young people face everyday. But we also know that representation changes what is possible.
That’s why we will keep showing up and moving forward, until every LGBTQ+ young person knows they belong and can access the support they deserve.
