The Exhaustion of “Being Informed”: When the Political Climate Feels Like an Ongoing Loss for LGBTQIA+ People
Keeping up with the news can feel like a full-time job for anyone. But in the current moment and for those in the LGBTQIA+ community, it often feels like we’re watching our own lives being discussed, debated, and attacked every time we check our phones. We see headlines about legislation that limits our rights, debates on who can receive health care, and arguments about whether we have the right to exist in public spaces. This constant exposure to threats, fear, and negativity can exhaust us to the core. It’s similar to living with a never-ending sense of loss—and it can be deeply painful.
One way to understand these experiences is through the lens of grief. When we think of grief, we often imagine we’re mourning a loss that has a clear beginning and end, like the death of a loved one. But in this political climate, the loss feels ongoing. We’re not mourning only what has happened; we’re also mourning what might be taken away in the future. It’s like a constant, low-level hum of grief that never fully goes away. It can be especially tough because we’re asked to be “informed” and “aware” at all times, as if our survival depends on staying up to date. On some days, that constant exposure truly feels like too much to handle.
The Feeling of Constant Threat
For LGBTQIA+ individuals, simply checking the news can bring up feelings of anger and fear. Over the past few years, many headlines have featured attempts to limit healthcare rights for transgender people or discriminate against same-sex couples. The message that gets sent is clear: “We are not sure if you belong here.” Alok Vaid-Menon, a gender-nonconforming writer and performer, often reminds us that there is power in being exactly who we are, even when the world tries to tell us otherwise. Still, the threat can feel overwhelming.
We must remember that when we’re absorbing this news, we’re seeing real decisions being made about our lives. These threats aren’t distant or abstract; they are hitting close to home. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed as if you’re carrying the weight of every one of these headlines. Some days, we’re just trying to get out of bed, make breakfast, and still have some hope left over for the next day. When you’re asked to stay informed about every new policy, protest, or attack, that hope can start to feel like a heavy burden.
Grief: More Than Just Loss
It might be surprising to talk about “grief” when the events making the news are ongoing. However, grief is not just about death; it’s about loss in general. We can feel grief when we lose opportunities, safety, or the hope we once had for an easier, more inclusive future. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, in her work on the five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—helps us notice how grief can show up in different ways. However, these “stages” don’t always happen in a neat, tidy order. You might cycle between anger and sadness, or feel moments of acceptance that then slip back into rage or despair. Political updates, especially negative ones, can trigger these feelings again and again, making each new headline feel like a fresh wound.
In addition, Kubler-Ross’s model can help us identify the emotional states we go through as we learn about new laws or hateful rhetoric. Sometimes, we might try to deny that things are that bad. We might think, “They can’t actually pass that law,” or “People will understand us eventually.” Other times, we feel anger: “How could they do this to us?” We might bargain in our minds, wondering if we can compromise in some small way just to be safe. Depression can creep in when it feels like no one cares or like we’ll never be truly safe. Eventually, some people may arrive at a form of acceptance—though this acceptance isn’t about agreeing with injustice, but rather acknowledging where we are and figuring out how to move forward without losing hope entirely.
A Continuous Process
Megan Devine, author of It’s OK That You’re Not OK, reminds us that grief doesn’t really have a finish line. We don’t “get over” profound losses; we learn to carry them. This idea is especially important for LGBTQIA+ people who feel like every headline is a reminder of a struggle we’re forced to endure.
This perspective can be both comforting and scary at the same time. It’s comforting because it shows us we’re not failing if we don’t feel “better” right away. We don’t have to force ourselves to move on or pretend that everything’s okay. We’re allowed to hurt, cry, or be furious. At the same time, it can be frightening to realize that this grief might not fully go away—especially if new threats keep coming.
Self-Care in the Midst of It All
Managing the never-ending stream of negative news is hard. It can feel wrong or even dangerous to turn off the TV or log off social media. After all, we might worry: “If I’m not up to date, how can I protect myself or my community?” But staying informed doesn’t have to mean drowning in every detail of every story. Here are some ways to care for yourself:
Set Boundaries with News:
Allow yourself certain times of the day to check news updates—maybe once in the morning and once in the evening. Turning off real-time alerts can help you manage the intense emotional rollercoaster that comes from reading every alarming headline as it happens.
Find Community:
Surrounding yourself with people who understand your experiences can help you feel less alone. This community can be local or virtual. Find a support group, an online forum, or even a circle of trusted friends who “get it.”
Get Professional Help in LGBT+ Therapy:
If you’re feeling anxious, depressed, or traumatized by what you’re seeing in the news, therapy or counseling can be a big help. LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists can offer coping strategies designed for long-term stress, such as mindfulness, breathing techniques, or forms of talk therapy that focus on trauma.
Engage in Grounding Activities:
Don’t underestimate the power of small joys. Activities like journaling, painting, gardening, or playing with a pet can bring a moment of calm. These simple moments can offer your mind and heart a temporary break from all the chaos.
Channel Your Feelings into Action:
Sometimes, the best way to fight the heaviness is by turning your emotions into motivation. That might mean volunteering, attending a rally, or simply sharing resources on social media. Even small acts of advocacy can make a big difference, both for you and for others who might be feeling just as overwhelmed.
Holding Onto Hope
Holding onto hope can be challenging when every day seems to bring fresh reasons to worry. But hope isn’t the same as ignorance; it doesn’t mean sticking your head in the sand. Rather, it’s about acknowledging the reality of what’s happening while still believing in the possibility of change. This dual awareness can help guide us toward productive action. It’s what allows us to say, “Yes, the situation is tough, and I also believe things can get better.”
We can look at the history of social movements to remind ourselves that progress is possible, even if it’s not linear. For every hateful policy, there are countless individuals and organizations working tirelessly for equality and justice. Remember that the noise of those working against LGBTQIA+ rights might be loud, but they are not the only voices. Each time you share your story or stand in support of someone who feels alone, you become part of the solution.
Community as a Lifeline
Grief and political exhaustion don’t have to be faced alone. In many LGBTQIA+ spaces, there’s a shared understanding that we have each other’s backs. When the world feels harsh and unfair, it can be incredibly healing to know there’s a place where you can speak freely about your grief. Community can help you recognize that you’re not the only one going through these emotional ups and downs.
Megan Devine teaches that grief is not a problem to be solved, but a truth to be acknowledged. In these spaces of mutual understanding, you might hear others saying, “It hurts for me, too.” That mutual validation can be a powerful tool in lessening our sense of isolation. Likewise, Alok Vaid-Menon’s writings remind us of the value of celebrating our identities, our colors, our joys—especially in times of threat. Joy can be an act of resistance.
Embracing the Complexity of Our Feelings
We often feel pressure to be positive or “strong,” even when we’re burning out. But our emotions—anger, sadness, hope, fear—are all valid responses to the political environment we face. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross didn’t intend for the five stages of grief to become a checklist we need to “complete.” Instead, they help us recognize that grief is layered and ever-shifting. We might jump from sadness to anger to acceptance, and then start all over again when a new policy debate hits the news.
So, it’s okay to be tired. It’s okay to cry, to scream, or to turn away from the news for a day to protect yourself. Giving ourselves permission to feel our sorrow, our fury, or our exhaustion can make us more resilient in the long run.
Moving Forward
The political climate right now can feel like one long cycle of losses for LGBTQIA+ individuals. But even in this heaviness, there are moments of solidarity, compassion, and love that can sustain us. We can acknowledge our grief while still holding onto hope for meaningful change. We can step away from the news for a moment’s rest without losing sight of what matters to us.
Hope doesn’t mean denying the challenges. It means telling ourselves, “Yes, this is hard—and I’m still here.” As Megan Devine says, “Some things cannot be fixed. They can only be carried.” And together, as a community, we can carry this grief and these hopes forward.
Finding Resilience Through LGBTQIA+ Therapy in the St. Paul Area
You don’t have to carry this grief alone. When staying informed begins to feel like emotional survival, it’s a sign that your mental and emotional well-being need care and support. At NobleTree Therapy, our affirming LGBTQIA+ therapy services in the Minneapolis area are here to offer a space where you can exhale. A space where your anger, fear, hope, and exhaustion are all welcome.
Our compassionate LGBTQIA+ therapists understand the emotional toll of navigating constant political threats. We’re here to help you process the pain, find moments of rest, and reconnect with your strength—without the pressure to always be “okay.” If you're ready to step into a space of healing and support:
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Other Therapy Services Available at NobleTree Therapy in Minnesota
NobleTree Therapy offers a welcoming and supportive space for individuals, couples, and families seeking meaningful growth and connection. Our experienced therapists are here to walk alongside you, offering guidance through life’s complexities. We also provide specialized support in areas such as processing grief, exploring personal identity, and engaging in creative forms of expression. With a deep commitment to your well-being, we aim to create a therapeutic environment where your experiences are honored and your healing is nurtured.