On Wednesday, November 9th, 2016, I woke up around 7:30 AM to get ready for school. It was normal, just like any other day of the week. It was normal, until I checked the messages on my phone.
"Stay safe & keep me updated on you. Love you."
"I love you so f***ing much, and I'm so sorry"
What happened, might you ask? Death in the family, an accident? Nope.
Donald Trump became the new President of the United States of America.
As a teenager, I usually do my best to avoid the topic of all things politics. I'm 16 years old, if I ever attempt to talk about politics, I'm faced with the same reaction from all adults.
"You're too young, you have no idea what you're talking about."
But, I can't ignore it this time. I just can't just sit down and be quiet when so many people are scared for their own safety.
So why were people reaching out to me?
I'm Transgender, it's no secret. With Trump and his VP Pence's openness against LGBTQIA+ plus people, you can see their concern with me.
People are scared of how the world is going to be now that this man has become president.
"Now Aaron, the government has many different parts, no one is going to let Trump do anything dangerous toward 'your people.'"
I don't think that's the case, though.
People are scared, I'm scared, but it's not fear of Donald Trump as President.
It's fear of the aftermath.
There are people in society that genuinely believe that since a man that's racist, sexist, Islamophobic, etc., is in The White House, they are free do do whatever they want to people. They can do any action they want to that reflects the ideas and words that Donald Trump has said in the past.
Look around, open Twitter, open Facebook. It hasn't been a week and already so many people are getting harassed. Hate crimes are being committed.
Here are some examples, just in case you would rather not Google.
https://twitter.com/tessanetting/status/7969461768...
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2016/11/12/post...
http://www.rawstory.com/2016/11/busted-teacher-cau...
https://twitter.com/ShaunKing/status/7971468124277...
http://abc7chicago.com/news/racist-message-found-i...
And that's just to name a few.
Don't tell me I'm overreacting, don't tell me nothing's going to change, because too late. It already has.
It's not Trump I'm worried about, it's what people are doing in his name.
And it scares the living hell out of me.
But hey.
(Credit: Not my photo-it's going around the internet. Credit to whoever due.)
If you're scared, know you are not alone. There are people standing right by your side, ready to fight this long battle.
This fight is going to be a long one, but it's going to be one completely worth it in the end.
If you come across this article and need a friend to talk to, feel free to message me. I'm an ally always willing to listen.
Twitter: @Aaron_Evans10
Tumblr: your-not-invisible-to-me.tumblr.com
