In a new video message released Thursday, a group of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer high school students made a bold request of Donald J. Trump: Become a "president for all" instead of resorting to divisive politics and name-calling.
SEE ALSO:Why Trump's presidency will require absolutely all your courageOne by one, the teens describe themselves and what's at stake for them in this new political era.
The election may be over, they say, but their stories are not. They want to "exist safely," "see our differences celebrated," and "to thrive in school and society."
The students tell Trump that they're listening and watching as he takes the oath of office and swears to uphold the constitution — "the one that says all people are equal."
Credit: GLSENThe video was created by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), and the teens who appear serve on the advocacy organization's student council. Alongside the video, GLSEN also launched a campaign called 100 Days of Kindness.
That project is designed to send messages of support to LGBTQ youth worried about their personal safety and the goals of an administration that appears hostile to protecting their rights. The Republican Party's platform, adopted in July, opposes same-sex marriage and supports legislation that prevents transgender people from using the bathroom that reflect their gender identity.
Eliza Byard, executive director of GLSEN, told Mashablethat the video and campaign are a response to a spike in reports of school harassment and intimidation following Trump's victory.
"Even though there’s anger there, you have to find ways to turn that anger into power with positive action."
"For some reason these students thought they had license to attack their peers," said Byard. "All of us need to stand up together and make clear that’s not OK. Hopefully the incoming administration and president-elect will take opportunities to make clear that’s not what they meant."
The Southern Poverty Law Center, an organization that tracks hate groups and speech, surveyed more than 10,000 educators in December, many of whom described the election's negative impact on school climate and reported an increase in the use of slurs in addition to incidents involving swastikas, Nazi salutes and Confederate flags.
Byard said the video and campaign are meant to help students meet a difficult challenge with the determination to improve their schools and communities.
"Even though there’s anger there, you have to find ways to turn that anger into power with positive action," she said.
The students in the video aren't deferential to Trump; some are sarcastic and flip, while others seem guarded or optimistic. Including that range of voices, Byard said, is an essential part of letting people speak "authentically" about their feelings and fears, provided they do so respectfully.
Credit: GLSENByard knows its impossible to predict what will catch Trump's attention — or how he'll respond. Still, despite their misgivings about Trump's victory and his administration's priorities, the students have high hopes for his presidency.
They also have a few aspirational names in mind for him: "Hope bringer. Equality advocate. Community unifier."
Trump may seem unlikely to embrace those words and actions, but Byard believes change is the product of deliberate thinking.
"The first step is always to ground yourself in hope and human connection and a positive vision of where we’re trying to go," she said. "That's the basis that allows you to keep putting one foot in front of the other."
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