As part ofLGBTQ NationsJanuary issue, we asked readers to tell us how one year of the second Trump administration has affected their lives and what they hope LGBTQ+ leaders and allies do differently in 2026.We received dozens of submissions and will be sharing them throughout the month (you can also still submit). Related Fear & instability: A trans man craves a sense of home while battling Trump for the right to exist Peter Klicker, a 63-year-old transgender veteran, expressed anger that he cannot take advantage of the international opportunities afforded by his graduate program due to the Trump administrations anti-trans passport policy. This year, he hopes to see more strength from LGBTQ+ leaders and allies. Heres what he had to say. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today How has living under the second Trump administration affected you personally over the last year?I got extremely depressedbeginning with the first few anti-trans executive orders. Im a disabled veteran with PTSD and felt like I was under attack, despite having done everything right. I got fired from my last job on Feb 25th filed for 100% VA disability. It was approved. Then I did some intense therapy at the VA, including a crisis management plan. It helped me realize the strength I do have, so despite being old (physically 64 next month, mentally going on 30), I applied to the Master of Human Rights program at the University of Minnesotas Humphrey School of Public Affairs. I just completed my first semester back. However, Im angry that a disabled veteran of the United States Marine Corps, honorably discharged in 1988 with a flawless record as a Sergeant of Marines, cannot get a passport with the correct gender marker. I believe I would be endangered if I tried to travel with any documents that say female. I have NEVER been misgendered. I am a carbon copy of my next older brother so that means I cant travel to China this spring with classmates, I cant do an internship at the UN in Geneva, I cant travel anywhere outside of the US, Canada, and Mexico. Why am I being punished? What do you hope to see from LGBTQ+ leaders and allies in 2026?I would love to see more people with the intestinal fortitude of Congresswoman Sarah McBride (D-DE). I had the pleasure of interviewing her for a school assignment and learned so much from her and shes 29 years my junior. We need our LGBTQ+ representatives to stand up to the bullsh*t. Perhaps youve seen the video in which McBride is deliberatelymisgendered by a Republican man. She responded without anger, Yes, Madam Chair? No snark just doing what she can to make an impact. Thats what Id expect from LGBTQ+ leaders and our allies.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.