Election anxiety: LGBTQ+ and queer Gen Z voters face unprecedented challenges

As the 2024 election looms, younger LGBTQ+ voters are navigating a uniquely stressful political landscape. The combination of targeted legislation, hate speech, and economic uncertainty has compounded an already intense election season for these communities, leading to a marked increase in anxiety and mental health concerns.

Despite these challenges, queer Gen Z voters are expected to mobilize in record numbers, driven by a desire for change.

What is election anxiety?

Election anxiety refers to the heightened stress and worry individuals experience during election cycles, often fueled by uncertainty over political outcomes, divisive campaigns, and the potential impact on personal rights.

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While “election stress disorder” isn’t an official scientific diagnosis, Mayo Clinic psychiatrist Dr. Robert Bright confirms that the concept is real.

For marginalized communities, like LGBTQ+ individuals, this anxiety can be even more intense due to fears of policies that could negatively impact their rights and lives. Symptoms can include trouble sleeping, constant worry, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of hopelessness.

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As politically charged rhetoric rises, many LGBTQ+ and Gen Z voters are feeling increasingly overwhelmed by the stakes of upcoming elections.

LGBTQ+ voter motivation is high, but mental health is at risk

LGBTQ+ voter turnout is expected to be strong in the 2024 election. According to a GLAAD poll, an overwhelming 94% of LGBTQ+ registered voters say they plan to cast their ballot this November. However, this motivation to engage in the political process comes with significant emotional costs. A striking 72% of LGBTQ+ individuals report that the current political climate has negatively impacted their mental health.

For queer Gen Z voters, the overall mental health picture is even more concerning, with 71% of LGB Gen Z adults reporting they experienced anxiety “a lot of the day yesterday,” compared to just 52% of their straight peers, according to Gallup. This general anxiety adds to the emotional burden many queer voters carry into this election season.

Elizabeth Douglas, MA, LADC, LPCC, a Minnesota-based therapist and owner of Yellow Wallpaper Therapy, who has spent over a decade working with the queer community, explains, “Recent legislation limiting access to gender-affirming care, banning discussions of LGBTQ+ issues in schools, and proposing restrictions on transgender individuals’ rights have contributed significantly to anxiety and stress.”

This stress is only heightened by the political polarization many LGBTQ+ voters feel, with some questioning whether their votes will make a difference in a system that often feels hostile to their identities.

The rise of LGBTQ+ voters as a political force

Despite the mental health challenges, the LGBTQ+ community is emerging as an influential voting bloc, particularly among Gen Z. According to the Human Rights Campaign, one in seven voters is expected to identify as LGBTQ+ by 2024—and that number could grow to one in five by 2040. In the 2020 election, LGBTQ+ voters made up 7% of the electorate, which is expected to rise in the coming years.

This growth in numbers is already being reflected in key election metrics. LGBTQ+ voters favor Vice President Kamala Harris over Donald Trump by a substantial margin, and in Congressional races, 77% of LGBTQ+ voters are likely to support Democratic candidates. However, this strong preference for Democratic candidates also underscores the deep political divide felt by many LGBTQ+ individuals.

The impact of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and legislation

The surge in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and hate speech has left many queer voters feeling vulnerable. Nearly half of LGBTQ+ voters report experiencing real-world bullying, further contributing to the sense of anxiety surrounding the election.

And it’s not just rhetoric—laws targeting transgender youth, banning gender-affirming care, and limiting discussions of LGBTQ+ issues in schools are having profound effects on mental health and overall well-being.

Douglas highlights how these stressors are affecting the younger LGBTQ+ generation: “The rise in hate crimes and public anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, especially on social media, has contributed to a pervasive feeling of vulnerability. These factors drive political engagement but may deter some from voting out of fear for safety, especially in public polling places.”

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Gen Z’s unique perspective and mental health crisis

Gen Z is the most diverse generation yet, with 28% identifying as LGBTQ+ according to the latest data from the Public Religion Research Institute. This group is redefining what it means to be politically engaged, but they’re also dealing with overwhelming mental health challenges. Only 38% of queer Gen Z adults rate their mental health as “excellent or good,” compared to 63% of their straight counterparts.

The emotional toll is evident in how they approach political engagement. While many Gen Z voters are leading the charge for progressive change, they are also grappling with the pressure to balance activism with self-care.

According to Douglas, building safe communities, both online and offline, can offer some relief, but the systemic pressures queer Gen Z faces make it difficult to avoid burnout.

How to manage election anxiety

Election anxiety is not going away, but there are strategies to help alleviate its impact. For LGBTQ+ voters, especially Gen Z, advocacy can provide a sense of control and empowerment. Engaging in activism can offer a constructive outlet for stress.

Douglas suggests several strategies:

1. Engage in advocacy through voting, organizing rallies, and joining LGBTQ+ activist groups
2. Build safe online and offline communities
3. Practice digital hygiene to limit exposure to harmful content
4. Participate in therapy or peer support groups
5. Support LGBTQ+ candidates and grassroots campaigns

In addition to the strategies already mentioned, managing election anxiety can also involve setting healthy boundaries with news consumption. Limiting your exposure to the 24/7 news cycle—particularly avoiding doomscrolling before bed—can protect your mental well-being. Focus on trusted, LGBTQ+ affirming news sources, and only check in at specific times during the day.

Another way to reduce feelings of helplessness is to focus on what you can control, such as volunteering for LGBTQ+ organizations or helping others register to vote. Taking tangible actions, no matter how small, can provide a sense of empowerment.

However, it’s also important to know when to take a step back and protect mental health. It’s about finding balance—staying involved and informed, but not overwhelmed.

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Empowering change and supporting well-being

As the election approaches, queer Gen Z voters are stepping into their power. While the challenges they face are immense, their collective voice is reshaping the political landscape. Understanding the unique factors driving election anxiety for LGBTQ+ voters is key to ensuring their voices are heard—and their mental health is supported.

With a rapidly growing LGBTQ+ electorate, their votes will not only shape the outcome of the 2024 election but will also define the future of political discourse in the U.S. As Sarah Kate Ellis, President and CEO of GLAAD, puts it, “LGBTQ Americans are ready to exert their significant power to shape electoral politics, choose responsible leadership, and use their voices to advocate for equality.”

And that includes young, queer individuals who are coming of age and using their voices to demand change and hold politicians accountable, as well.

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