The day the United States Constitution was signed, Benjamin Franklin was approached by a young woman, Elizabeth Willing Powel, while walking along South Third Street in Philadelphia. Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic, or a monarchy? Powel asked. Franklins answer: A republic, if you can keep it. The good doctors words of caution should carry particular weight in the fraught political climate in which we find ourselves.235 years after that memorable exchange, our ability to preserve this democratic republic hangs in the balance. This is even more true for we, the LGBTQ+ people of America. As 5.5% of the US population, our fate goes hand-in-hand with the way our country votes. Never in the history of our small but vibrant community have we stood on such unstable ground. Related Trans people face barriers at the polls. The LGBTQ+ community is helping knock them down. LGBTQ+ organizers are laser-focused on making sure that queer voters can overcome the obstacles that may prevent them from casting their ballots. Yes, its true that in our long journey of slow progress, weve existed as a marginalized, underground, often reviled, and historically criminalized group. Nevertheless, in times fair or foul, we still existed, and in recent years, we even began to thrive. Dive deeper every day Join our newsletter for thought-provoking commentary that goes beyond the surface of LGBTQ+ issues Subscribe to our Newsletter today This time around, whether we thrive or have the right to exist at all is an open question. Thats not hyperbole; Project 2025, the GOPs 1,000-page operating manual for a possible second Trump presidency, takes direct aim at LGBTQ+ rights. The plan includes ending marriage equality, insisting that only heterosexual, two-parent families are safe for children, removing protections for LGBTQ+ individuals in law and federal policy, and expelling trans men and women from military service. Thats only a small sample of the pantheon of barbaric actions the GOPand a Trump-led White House are prepared to carry out in their nightmare vision for the United States.Thats all in addition to candidate Trumps own hatemongering words, which he has vomited forth on the campaign trail from coast to coast. Consider his false assertion that American children are getting gender transition surgery at school, amplifying the GOPs wild claims that schools are forcing kids to become transgender and helping minors transition without parental consent. Or, more tellingly, the Trump campaigns nearly $20 million ad buy attacking trans people, who just want to live as they truly are. Also, Kamalas pledge to ensure that prison inmates will get medically necessary gender-affirming care or surgery while incarcerated is already mandated by federal law, and Trump followed the same law while he was in office. Notable figures within the LGBTQ+ community have made very clear the dangers of a second Trump presidency. Acclaimed actor, vocalist, activist, and podcast host Tym Moss reminded us that immediately after Trumps 2017 inauguration, Everything on the official website of the White House mentioning LGBT and our rights had been removed and remained removed throughout his term. Former CNN anchor Don Lemon stated firmly that Kamala Harris is on the side of democracy, highlighting her opponents fascistic campaign themes. Upper Darby, Pennsylvania Councilor Jess Branas, who won a historic victory that made her the first-ever out lesbian on the Council, warned, The future of LGBTQIA+ rights under a resurrected Trump presidency is a horrific thought. Not only will our community cease to have rights on how we live and who we love, but will have a great impact on if we receive healthcare, job opportunities, and housing. Unfortunately, I feel as if those in our community will be considered sub-par citizens that Trump and his supporters will vilify and violate every ounce of our being.Bishop Kevin E. Taylor, a pastor and longtime LGBTQ+ community leader, put it in his own eloquent manner: Today is the first day of YESVEMBER, not November. I am hopeful, thoughtful and prayerful that the LGBTQ community, the Black community, the Puerto Rican community, the feminist community, the members of the differently abled communities and so many other people of sound reason and sense, will mobilize, as we already have with early elections, to send a loud and resounding voice that Trump is finished. The pastor, who directs the North Jersey Community Research Initiative (NJCRI), underscored the role of bias in Trumps platform. This racist, homophobic, sexist, xenophobic criminal will not have the seat of power to try to further divide his nation! Given that Trump was awarded absolute immunity from prosecution as President, it is more than possible that, like the migrants he so publicly despises, roundups of LGBTQ+ people are not far behind in a Trump dictatorship. Consider Trumps hideous orgy of hatred at Madison Square Garden on October 27, or his repeated, escalating attacks against LGBTQ+ people, especially trans individuals, right up to his closing campaign statement?We should certainly prepare for the dark possibility of a second Trump presidency, which we know would be even further from normal than the first and during which we would all live in peril. However, were still living in a democracy as of now. You have the power to shape our coming days. This Election Day is the most important day of our lives. With your vote, you can refute the maelstrom of tyranny Trump promises. You can turn the nightmare into a dream as we elect Kamala Harris, a superlative, groundbreaking candidate and a true ally, to the highest office in our land. You can reaffirm our right to exist and thrive as we authentically are. Its all within your reach.See you at the polls.Nathan James is a longtime LGBTQ advocate, journalist, and political commentator. A Democrat, he was elected Judge Of Election in Philadelphia, PA in 2021. Your Vote is a step toward Equality for All Make sure youre ready to vote! Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.