Transgender rights advocates call election of Trump a "gut punch," but celebrate other historic wins

 Transgender and LGBTQ rights groups are expressing strong disappointment in Donald Trump’s win after the former president — as well as several local Republican candidates — leaned on anti-trans rhetoric in campaign advertisements and speeches.

“This is a gut punch, and our hearts are heavy. This election did not go as we hoped, and like so many in our community, we are disappointed,” Advocates for Trans Equality Executive Director Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen said in a statement.

Heng-Lehtinen acknowledged that many trans people and their families fear their rights will be further restricted under a Trump administration, but he reminded people that “you are not alone.”

The Trevor Project, a suicide prevention organization for LGBTQ people, said it has experienced a 125% increase in crisis calls and messages on Tuesday and Wednesday.

“It is not all bad news,” Heng-Lehtinen said, noting that Delaware’s Sarah McBride became the first out transgender member of Congress and New York voters passed Proposition 1, enshrining equal protection rights for people based on gender identity and sexual orientation.

“Our vision of an inclusive and hopeful future where all trans people are nothing less than equal remains strong,” he added.