Election season can feel like a lot, especially when so much is on the line for trans and non-binary folks. Whether you’re feeling anxious about healthcare access, unsure about the candidates, or just fed up with the whole system, it’s important to take a moment to check in with yourself. This month’s Trans Journal Series is all about election feelings.
This election will have a lasting impact on our community, so these journal prompts are here to help you process your thoughts and feelings in a way that’s true to you. The choices we make in this election will help shape our community’s future, so let’s take some time to reflect so we can head to the polls feeling clear and confident.
Table of Contents
How does each candidate’s stance on trans rights and healthcare make me feel?
Goal: To help you get in touch with your gut reactions to what the candidates say about trans issues. It’s important to understand how these policies hit home for you personally, since they directly affect your life and the community. This can also help you figure out which candidate really “gets” your needs.
What are my biggest fears or hopes for the trans community in the next four years, and how could this election impact those?
Goal: To take a step back and think about what’s at stake for the trans community long-term. Whether it’s fear or hope that’s at the forefront, this prompt helps you see how your vote could shape the future of trans rights. It’s about making sure your concerns and dreams are part of your decision.
If I don’t feel strongly about either candidate, what values or issues matter to me the most?
Goal: To move away from the candidates and focus on what truly matters to you. When neither choice feels inspiring, this can help you dig into the issues that really hit close to home. It’s about clarifying what you stand for, even if you’re not fully behind either candidate.
What actions can I take to protect my rights as a trans person, regardless of who wins the election?
Goal: To remind yourself that your power doesn’t end at the ballot box. No matter who wins, there are ways you can keep advocating for your rights and your community. It’s about staying resilient and proactive, and making sure you’re prepared no matter the outcome.
How have past elections affected the trans community, and what lessons can I take from that when deciding how to vote?
Goal: To look back at how previous elections have shaped trans rights and think about what you’ve learned from those experiences. Understanding the past can give you a better sense of what’s at stake in this election. It helps you see the bigger picture and make a more informed decision.
What specific changes do I want to see in healthcare, and how does each candidate address or ignore those needs?
Goal: To get specific about your healthcare priorities and see how the candidates measure up. Focusing on an issue that directly impacts your day-to-day life makes the election feel more personal and relevant. This is your chance to think about who’s offering real solutions for you and your community.
How do I feel about the idea of voting for a candidate I don’t fully agree with? What would it mean to me to vote strategically?
Goal: To help you work through the tough reality of not loving either candidate and explore how you feel about voting based on strategy. This is about being honest with yourself about the compromises you’re willing to make and figuring out what’s most important to you. It’s okay to wrestle with those conflicting feelings.
What would make me feel safe and supported in my identity as a trans person, and how could my vote contribute to achieving that?
Goal: To put your own safety and sense of support at the center of your decision-making. This prompt is about figuring out which candidate can help create a world where you feel more secure in your identity. It’s a way to focus on what really matters when it comes to your personal well-being.
How do my feelings of confusion or uncertainty about the candidates affect my desire to vote?
Goal: To acknowledge that it’s okay to feel unsure or confused about your options and how that might impact your motivation to vote. This is about being real with yourself and figuring out what’s holding you back. It can help you move past that confusion and find a way to stay engaged.
What would motivate me to vote, even if I feel disillusioned with the system or the candidates?
Goal: To help you reconnect with a sense of purpose, even when it feels like the system is broken or the candidates aren’t great. Sometimes voting can feel frustrating, but this prompt helps you find your own reasons to stay involved. It’s about remembering that your voice still matters, even when it’s hard.
As we approach this election, it’s totally okay to feel a mix of emotions—anxiety, confusion, even frustration. The prompts in this month’s Trans Journal Series are here to help you make sense of those feelings and focus on what really matters to you. By reflecting on these questions, you can better understand your priorities, concerns, and hopes for the future. Remember, your vote is a powerful tool for shaping the world we live in, and taking the time to think things through can help you head to the polls with confidence. No matter how you’re feeling right now, your voice matters and can make a difference.
