Fears for LGBTQ equality in the US as Donald Trump is elected president

As the world reels from the reality that Donald Trump has been elected America’s 45th president, there are concerns that he could undermine LGBTQ equality in the US.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) – the nation’s biggest LGBTQ rights group – reacted to the shocking election results, which will also see Mike Pence – a virulently anti-LGBT evangelical Christian – becoming Trump’s vice president.

“This is a crucial moment for our nation and for the LGBTQ movement. The election of a man who stands opposed to our most fundamental values has left us all stunned,” admitted HRC President Chad Griffin.

“Over the last 18 months, Donald Trump and Mike Pence have intentionally sowed fear and division for cynical political purposes. They now face a decision about whether they will also govern that way. We hope, for the sake of our nation and our diverse community – which includes women, people of color, those with disabilities, immigrants, and people of all faiths and traditions – they will choose a different path,” he said.

Griffin insisted that, “despite the outcome of this presidential race, we know that the tide has irreversibly turned in favour of LGBTQ equality”. He also vowed to continue the fight for equal rights.

“The defeats we have suffered tonight demonstrate that our future victories will require us to dig deeper and work harder to continue bending the moral arc of the universe toward justice and equality. We must fight to protect our progress, and to limit the damage that Donald Trump has promised,” said Griffin.

“To every LGBTQ person across this nation feeling stunned and disheartened, and questioning if they have a place in our country today, I say this: You do. Don’t ever let anybody tell you otherwise. Be bold, be strong, and continue to stand up for the principles that have always made America great.”

Trump has claimed to be a “friend of the LGBT community” but his policies, words and partners in his presidential campaign have been anything but LGBT friendly. He has stated his support for moves to reverse marriage equality and to stop transgender people from serving in military.

In his victory speech on Wednesday morning, Trump pledged “to be president for all Americans” and said that, “Now it’s time to bind the wounds of division. I say to Democrats and Republicans it is time come together as one united people.”