Yes, Donald Trump won. No, this is not a fever dream hallucination sweeping the nation. This election is devastating for so many people in a multitude of ways. For many Americans, the idea of a Trump presidency means a direct and real threat to their own identity and what they stand for. This election was so much bigger than Republican versus Democrat versus Third Party. This election was almost an exercise in seeing just how strong hate is in this country.

When Trump won, it was not just a victory for him. This was a victory for any KKK member, the overtly racist, and especially those who try to keep it as quiet as possible. This was a victory for the woman screaming at the man on the street because he does not speak her language and obviously that means he is an idiot. This was a victory for the man on the public bus who takes advantage of the crowded space to touch women in any way that he wants. As if his claim on her body is real and more important that her own right to personhood. This was a victory for all of the perpetrators of hate crimes on black youth and the LGBTQIA+ community. This legitimized and validated their hate in an uncontrollable and unprecedented manner.

America is mourning as a nation. Mourning for those who will undoubtedly be hurt and marginalized because of this decision. Mourning for the rights of those who have worked so hard for them. And most of all, mourning for our own country as it spirals out of the hands of capable and qualified leaders and gets placed in the hands of fear-mongering and hateful leaders. This result is because of an outdated system designed to do the exact opposite of what has just happened. The electoral college is who decided Trump was a good idea, not the American people. Hillary Clinton won the popular vote, and yet the electoral college actively decided against the people and ultimately democracy itself.

This is a time for grief and sadness. But more than anything, it is a time for America to get angry and stay angry. We as a collective nation do not need to stand by as our democratic rights are undermined and blatantly disrespected. Fight back. Whether that be through protests or active campaigning against every single one of Donald Trump's bills and policies, it is vital to oppose what this incompetent man thinks is a good idea for our country. Yes, we have been beaten down and shown a harsh and cruel reality. No, we will not roll over and let this man break us.