Let me put this out there right off the bat - I am so glad this damn election is over with despite the fact that I'm writing an article about it. My first election was one of the most exhausting political debacles in history. You were either voting for a racist bigot or a criminal and there was no way of defending yourself under the ridicule of someone who supported the opposite candidate. Do you want to know what I have to say to that? It's absolutely, undeniably the stupidest mentality I have ever experienced.

I have friends who voted for Hillary Clinton and I have friends who voted for Donald Trump and I'm sure I have one idiot friend who wrote in Harambe. While I might not agree with their political views, I don't think less of any single one of them because of who they voted for. In fact, I don't give a damn who they voted for. Why? Because there's half a country who thought that the person I voted for was unfit for the presidency but I voted for who I truly stood behind (for the most part). What gives us the right to attack someone for voting for somebody that they supported?

I know plenty of people who voted for Donald Trump that aren't homophobic white male supremacists just as I know plenty of people who voted for Hillary Clinton that aren't supportive of government corruption. In fact, I know plenty of kind-hearted, intelligent individuals who voted for each candidate alike. And you know what, I don't agree with half of them - but I don't hate them for it either.

This election has promoted more activism than our country has seen in a long time and I think this is an amazing thing. This being said, however, I must admit that I think our voices could be of better use when we stop attacking each other and take a look at the bigger picture. Donald Trump is president-elect of the United States of America and I do extend my condolences to people who are upset with the outcome of this election, especially the marginalized members of our community. But, I remind you that America stands together and falls divided. This country is nothing without every single one of you and your differences.

We are a melting pot of cultures and rather than sputtering names at people on Facebook who you don't agree with, try using your voice to take action. Rather than trying to eradicate differences, let's embrace them. Shift your focus from the things we can't change and look to the future - what is it, in your eyes, that would make America great? How about writing a post about that?