I am proud of the fact that I am far from alone in this fight. Proud of the fact that there are intelligent, empathetic, and outspoken advocates that have dutifully raised their voices to express their implicit desire to stand with me against the tsunami of hatred and uncertainty that seems to be quickly engulfing this nation.

I’ve read and written countless pieces and posts which systematically expose the fact that individuals that chose to vote for Donald Trump, or did not vote for Hillary Clinton, are, in effect, responsible for the legitimization of the hatred and dehumanization of virtually every minority that currently finds itself inconveniently located within the borders of these United States.

I’ve said it before, and I will repeat it until my words are understood: If you voted for Donald Trump, or against Hillary Clinton, you are responsible. You are responsible for giving fuel to the fire that is the hatred which Donald Trump has both lit and fanned within this country.

Despite this, I find great comfort in knowing that my friends are here to support me, as am I them. I find great comfort in knowing that my professors are here to support me, as am I them.

Conversely, I find a great sense of unease in knowing that so many of my peers, coworkers, and family members have chosen to prioritize their politics and archaic ideologies over my well-being, as well as that of my African American friends, my Muslim friends, my LGBTQ+ friends, my Latinx friends, and all of my other fellow minorities.

A vote against Hillary Clinton (or a choice to abstain from voting) is a direct insult to the human rights of not only myself, but also those of all the other individuals that have felt the hatred of Donald Trump’s misogynistic, racist, xenophobic, and bigoted rhetoric.

There are undoubtedly many trials to face in the future, but I remain proud nonetheless. I remain proud in the strength, stamina, and determination of my fellow champions against hatred.