As a wife, mother, and small business owner, Ive always believed in the power of community, connection, and resilience. My lifes work centers around building confidence in others, creating spaces of inclusivity, and showing people that they belong. AtDapperBoi, weve built more than just an inclusive clothing brand weve built a mission to help people feel seen, valued, and confident in who they are. But in todays divided political and cultural landscape, holding onto that belief feels harder and more necessary than ever. Related This lesbians harrowing journey to motherhood included self-insemination in a Burger King bathroom Wright is far from the only LGBTQ+ person who has been forced to get creative in her quest to build a family. The recent election has brought up a whirlwind of emotions for me, my family, and so many in the LGBTQ+ community. My wife and I voted for leadership that values inclusivity, justice, and progress. We hoped for a future where our children could grow up feeling safe and accepted, where policies would reflect compassion, and where our rights and identities would remain protected. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today But the morning after the election, one of our six-year-old twins asked a question that stopped me in my tracks: Will the new president make me have a daddy?Her words broke my heart. Shes so young, so innocent, yet already grappling with fears that no child should have to carry. As parents we reassured her, but I couldnt shake the weight of her question. How do I promise her safety and acceptance when Im asking the same things myself?This isnt just about my family its about countless LGBTQ+ families navigating a world where our rights feel precarious. Policies that claim to be about values often target our ability to live freely, love openly, and raise our children in safety. As a small business owner, these policies take on even more dimensions. They affect not just my personal life but my livelihood. Small businesses likeDapperBoifeel the immediate impact of economic shifts, tariffs, and laws that aim to restrict or exclude. We dont have the cushion of big corporations to absorb these challenges. Instead, we rely on resilience, creativity, and the support of our communities to keep going.I know Im not alone in these struggles. Across the country, LGBTQ+ business owners are facing similar fears and uncertainties. And yet, I see so much strength in this community. I see people rising up, creating spaces of love and acceptance, and continuing to build despite the odds. Its this resilience that gives me hope not just for my family but for all of us.I think about the families whove reached out to me, sharing their stories of finding representation and belonging in the work we do. One mother told me how her transgender son, struggling with depression, felt seen for the first time after discoveringDapperBoi. Stories like these remind me why we fight so hard, why we persist. Its about more than survival its about showing up for those who need to know theyre not alone. But resilience isnt easy. It requires acknowledging the hard truths, even when they hurt. Ive had family members vote for policies that directly harm LGBTQ+ people and families like mine. Theyve told me it wasnt personal, that they were voting for financial security or traditional values. But how can I not take it personally when the outcome of those choices affects my rights, my marriage, and my ability to raise my children without fear?These arent abstract political disagreements theyre deeply personal realities. And yet, I know that holding onto anger or withdrawing entirely wont build the bridges we need.I dont have all the answers, but I do know this: Resilience is a choice. Its in the way we show up for our communities, the way we keep building even when it feels hard, and the way we continue to foster connection, even in the face of division. For me, that means continuing to create spaces of love and acceptance through my work, continuing to advocate for inclusion, and continuing to raise my children with the values of empathy and strength. To other LGBTQ+ small business owners and families: You are not alone. Your work matters. Your presence matters. And your resilience matters. Together, we have the power to create change, to foster hope, and to build a future where everyone belongs.If you believe in that future, let your actions reflect your values. Support the businesses that fight for representation and equality. Every act of support, every choice to buy with purpose, is a step toward the world we all want to see.At the end of the day, I hold onto the belief that people are capable of goodness, of growth, and of coming together. And Ill continue to show up for my family, for my community, and for the future we all deserve.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.