I am angry. I am heartbroken. I am scared. I am ready to take action.
These past few days have been extremely hard. I have engaged in many progressive, necessary, open and honest conversations on my campus.
I took my time to grieve, to feel shock, to be confused.
But now I am ready to combat Trump's hatred. Love will always trump hate.
The results of this election have showed us how much work we have to do. Yes, it is immensely frustrating of the dismembering of progress that has taken place. This is motivation to not give up, to push through these hard times, and to realize that we have the power to change the future.
The future of this country rests in the hands of its people. Not one, racist, sexist, xenophobic orange man.
Here are feminist steps to take forward.
1. Acknowledge and celebrate the victories we did have on election night.
Kamala Harris was elected as California's first black woman U.S Senator and the country's first Indian American to serve in the Senate. Ilhan Omar, a muslim woman and former refugee, is the first Somali-American lawmaker in the U.S. Oregon elected the country's first open LGBT governer, Kate Brown. Catherine Cortez Masto is the first Latina senator, and Nevada's first female senator.
2. Engage in self care.
Self care is always important, but it is especially crucial in tough times like these. Look out for yourself. Breathe. Take a walk. Write. Make art. Check out further resources on self care tips (here, here, and here).
3. Recognize your privilege.
Need some help going so? Take this nifty quiz. Because I am white, straight, cisgendered and middle class, I will not experience the repercussions of a Trump presidency. Recognizing my privilege and seeking out ways I can build up and protect others who do not benefit from the same privilege is extremely necessary. The morning after the election, I texted my best friend, a woman of color. I apologized that her own country has let her down. We are nowhere near equality. It's not fair. It is not okay. This screwed up system will never be okay.
4. Support and protect women of color, men of color, Muslim men, Muslim women, the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants and other marginalized groups.
Hearing the stories of the hate crimes that are occurring makes my stomach flip. No one should feel unsafe in their own country. We must protect each other. We must have each other's back.
5. Donate (if you can) to social justice organizations.
Here is a list of organizations.
6. Rock that feminist shirt.
Wear it proudly. You look damn good in it.
7. Sign the petition for the Electoral College to vote for Hillary Clinton.
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The Electors of the Electoral College do not vote until December 19th. Electors, if they choose, can go against their states' vote and vote for Clinton. If enough electors switch their vote for Clinton, she would become our President. Even in the states where this isn't allowed, the elector would have to pay a fine. Yes, it's a long-stretch. But we should never underestimate the power of the people. Sign the petition here.
8. Join the feminist club on your campus. Or start one if it does not exist.
Having a community to turn to in times like these is crucially important.
9. Be a role model to young girls out there. Let them know that we have not given up.
We will never give up.
10. Read up on feminist writers. Seek out inspiration in their words.
Check out these feminist book lists (here, here, and here).
11. Do not lose hope. Let's continue the fight Hillary and many other women have worked so hard for.
We are always stronger together.
12. If you hear someone say something problematic, call them out for it.
Look to have a conversation, not a fight. Seek to educate, not divide.
Let's get to work.
