Resources for the 2020 Election

As we approach the end of October, many of us are feeling strong emotions about the upcoming 2020 election. Whether those feelings are dread, fear, excitement, hope, or apathy, there is no doubt that this season is emotionally charged, especially for those of us in the trans community. While there are tangible actions we can take to make sure our voices our represented by voting, we also face the challenge of feeling supported, safe, and connected during this election.

Experiencing the election during COVID-19 can be especially isolating, but there are still ways for us to stay connected and find support. Below are some resources for voting, supporting our emotional wellbeing, and staying connected with our community during this election season.

Have you planned your vote for the 2020 election? FORGE has resources for making sure your vote gets counted in Wisconsin:

• Check out this video series with FORGE’s Shelley Gregory to learn about resources for planning your vote in Wisconsin.
• Visit myvote.wi.gov to check your voter registration status, track your absentee ballot, and find polling locations near you.
• Make sure you know what important dates are coming up soon!
• Voter ID may be a concern for many trans voters. Check out this video to learn about voted ID in Wisconsin.
• If you have any questions or concerns about planning your vote in Wisconsin, contact Shelley Gregory at: shelley@forge-forward.org
• Text three of your friends in Wisconsin to make sure they’re voting!

Election time can be extremely draining and emotionally challenging (especially this year). You are not alone in these feelings, and don’t have to experience them alone.

(Download/print this PDF)

• Get centered and grounded with this guided meditation, led by Matthew Lewis from the Medical College of Wisconsin.
• Prioritize your physical needs and spend some time away from social media or TV (see the graphic above!)
  • Make sure you are meeting your needs for sleep, food, and water!
  • Let off some steam by venting to a trusted friend or family member.
  • Move your body to release anxiety, tension, or anger.
  • Take a break from social media and news coverage.
• Check out these articles with suggestions for managing your mental health during the election.
• Follow along with this mindfulness meditation to focus on your physical, mental, and emotional needs.
• If you are experiencing a mental health crisis:
  • Visit translifeline.org or call 877-565-8860 to reach a trans-informed supporter.
  • Call the TrevorLifeline at 1-866-488-7386 to speak with a trained counselor.
  • Call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-8255

You don’t have to be alone during the upcoming election. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, there are many ways to stay connected with your community and receive support.

• Keep up with FORGE events at forge-wi.org. FORGE will be holding space before and after the election for support, reflection, and connection.
  • You can email FORGE at AskFORGE@forge-forward.org to be notified about upcoming events, or visit our Facebook page.
• Consider getting involved with local organizing efforts to support movements you believe in.
  • You can volunteer to help others vote with the Human Rights Campaign, the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, Election Protection, or the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin.
  • Donate to Black Lives Matter or the Milwaukee Freedom Fund, learn more about the movement, and/or participate in demonstrations in your area.
• Work on your communication skills for having difficult conversations with friends or family members.

We recognize that this election is a difficult time for our community. Regardless of the results of the election, many folks will be feeling the weight of the impact on their lives. But we don’t have to experience this alone; FORGE strives to provide resources for the trans/non-binary community during this difficult time, maintain social connection, and offer emotional and social support. It’s important that we care for our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, check in with the people in our lives, and stay connected.