The 2026 US midterms brought five state ballot measures affecting transgender young people into sharp focus, with early results split and some outcomes still undecided. The Trevor Project says the political climate is already weighing heavily on trans and nonbinary youth: its 2025 survey found that 94% felt recent LGBTQ+-related debates had caused them stress or anxiety.

Five states, five ballot measures, and a divided result

Early results from the 2026 midterms showed voters in Missouri rejecting an anti-trans measure, while voters in Nebraska and Arizona approved theirs. Results in Colorado and Washington were still too close to call when The Trevor Project published its account. The measures covered access to healthcare, school facilities and sports for transgender young people. (The Trevor Project)

That split matters beyond the ballot box. The election campaign also featured hundreds of millions of dollars in anti-trans political advertising, according to the organisation. For young people watching debates about their rights become campaign material, the effects can feel personal well before a policy takes effect. (The Trevor Project)

The reported toll goes beyond election night

The Trevor Project’s 2025 US National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People found that 94% of transgender and nonbinary respondents said LGBTQ+-related policies, laws and debates had caused them stress or anxiety. The survey also found 86% said the political climate made them feel unsafe, while 38% said it had led them or their family to consider moving to another state. (The Trevor Project)

The organisation reported that 40% of transgender and nonbinary young people surveyed had seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year. These figures describe serious concerns, not a prediction about any one young person. But they underline why a heated election cycle can’t be dismissed as background noise. (The Trevor Project)

What research says about state laws and risk

A Trevor Project research brief found that transgender and nonbinary young people living in states where anti-trans laws had been enacted reported up to a 72% increase in past-year suicide attempts, compared with peers in states without such laws. The finding is an association reported by the research, rather than proof that a particular law alone caused an individual outcome. (The Trevor Project)

The organisation’s response to the results also pointed to a wider lesson: election rhetoric can linger after voting ends. Campaigns move on, but young people and families may still be left weighing whether they feel welcome, safe and supported where they live. (The Trevor Project)

Everyday support can make a meaningful difference

The Trevor Project’s research also highlights practical forms of support. Young people who had access to clothing that affirmed their gender, gender-neutral bathrooms, and respect for their pronouns at home reported lower rates of suicide attempts. Those who described their communities as very accepting reported attempts at less than a third of the rate among those in very unaccepting communities. (The Trevor Project)

That gives families, schools and communities concrete ways to help: listen without making a young person defend who they are, use the name and pronouns they ask for, and make everyday spaces more welcoming. The Trevor Project’s ally guide offers further information on supporting transgender and nonbinary youth. (The Trevor Project)

Support is available, whatever the headlines say

For someone who needs immediate support, The Trevor Project says trained crisis counsellors are available around the clock by phone, chat and text. In the US, its published options include calling 1-866-488-7386, visiting TheTrevorProject.org/Get-Help for chat, or texting START to 678678. (The Trevor Project)

The midterm results are still a snapshot of a changing political landscape. But the research offers a steadier takeaway: practical acceptance at home and in the wider community can matter, especially when public debate feels relentless. (The Trevor Project)

A small act of respect can help make a young person feel safer and less alone.

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