This past week has been incredibly dynamic for our country, to say the least. From Twitter exploding with millions of tweets about the election to anti-Trump protests being held in cities all across the country, we have seen two distinctive sides taken from the result of this year's presidential election, and President-elect Donald J. Trump is at the heart of it all.

This entire week, I've truly been at a loss for words. It's been especially difficult to explain how I feel, and why I feel the way I do to others, primarily because some simply cannot understand my hurt, my fear, or my anguish.

No surprise, I actually have really good friends who exercised their right and voted for Donald Trump, along with millions of other Americans on Election Day. I do not hate or judge them for making their choice. However, their choice more or less hurts me, whether they realized it or not. Many recognized the racism, sexism, islamophobia, and heterosexism that Trump represented, yet it wasn't enough of a deal-breaker for them. Unfortunately, I don't have that same luxury. I can't look past racist comments and sexist behavior, nor can I ignore blatant scapegoating of those who identify as Muslim.

Let me tell you how I really feel. I wish I could explain what it's like to be a bi-racial woman in this day and age. I wish I could explain what it's like to walk around and have people constantly wondering and asking what I am-- unfortunately, it matters that much. I wish I could explain why sometimes I look in the mirror and wonder how my sun-kissed skin could be so offensive. And I really wish I could explain why there are times when I actually wish I was just white. I can't explain it, because if you haven't lived it, you can't understand it.

I acknowledge that every person who voted for Trump is not racist, homophobic, misogynistic, or hateful; however, I'm noticing more and more individuals are becoming more outspoken about their close-minded exclusive views since Trump's election. The drastic spike in hate crimes is allegedly even worse than what "took place immediately after the terror attacks in 2001," according to USA Today.

"The white supremacists out there are celebrating his victory and many are feeling their oats," reports Richard Cohen, President of Southern Poverty Law Center, to USA Today.

This is exactly what we feared.

What I find most remarkable is how some can defend themselves for not being "racist, misogynistic, or homophobic," yet they make no apparent stance against the heinous behavior towards minorities, immigrants, Muslims, women, etc. in the last week.

Nevertheless, I've chosen to be a representative of inclusion, a spreader of love, and a soldier who is ready and wiling to fight the good fight, because:

I have friends who are immigrants and descendants of immigrants, and I cheer them on in their journey to the "American Dream."

I have friends who are Muslim, and I defend them.

I have friends with disabilities, and I give them a boost when they need a hand.

I have friends and family who identify with the LGBTQ+ community, and I refuse to let anyone tell them they are not normal.

I have friends and family who are survivors of sexual assault, and I support them.

I have friends and family who are minorities, or otherwise identify as people of color, and I stand by them.

A few nights ago, I attended a candle light vigil held on the steps of my hometown's city hall. It was not a protest, but rather a peaceful gathering to spread inclusiveness and bring together a community of allies. This event opened my eyes to the amount of compassion that exists in my community.

I think compassion from others is what we yearn for as human beings. For instance, even though you might not completely understand the struggles I've been through, you can acknowledge that they are struggles.

Let's stand together and share how we really feel.