I felt afraid. I felt afraid for the future of this country. It has been so hate-filled considering all you hear on the news is how bad things are; you hear about fights, shootings, people dying. Lately, those three things are all pertaining to a single divide and it has been about the new president-elect, Mr. Trump.

I went to my first protest last Friday night in Downtown Orlando. It was labeled "Anti-Trump" but really it was more like Anti-Trump values/statements. I have shared on Facebook about how I fear for the future of this country. If you already know, then you can head to the next paragraph, but if you don't know me, then know this: I believe in equality. I want women to be treated as equals to men. I work my hardest day in and day out to achieve my goals. I fight with everything in me and even if I don't get it, I know I tried with everything in me and hope that it's because the other person was more qualified or more suiting. I would never want to find out it's because they were male and I am a woman. Someone shouldn't be denied if they are black, or Hispanic, or Muslim, or any race for that matter. No one should be opposed because they love men or women even if they are of the same sex. No one should be rejected because they are Christian, or Jewish, or Buddhist, or Hindu, or any other religion under the sun. If someone is deserving, social descriptions should never stop them from being given what they deserve.

I know there are more problems in this country than these fundamental issues, but these are what makes up the citizens of this nation. To profile people and distinguish that they are undeserving from these "problems" that are not in their control is inhumane. The protest covered these issues. It wasn't about turning back the clock and un-electing Trump, it's about raising awareness to these worries. If people understand that all these protestors want is to be heard, understood and supported, then these people will feel proud to stand behind their country and their leader. But right now, how can they feel comfortable standing behind a leader who has been bigoted, racist, misogynistic and prejudiced toward the people he is trying to guide?

These issues run my mind every day. At this protest, I didn't feel the usual fear I have, I felt hope. Inspiration. Ambition. All the people who gathered believed in a brighter future. They believed in equality. And they believed in each other. They were not color-blind, they were accepting of one another for who they are. They didn't judge ages, sexes, races, or any of those related characteristics. They admired each other on the content of their souls. They recognized their worries their hope, and their enthusiasm. Everyone at that protest potentially disappointed someone who sees the demonstrations as nuisances, whiny, and unhelpful. Even knowing this, they came anyways. They loved one another. They supported each other when no one else was there. They fought together peacefully to satisfy their souls to know that they fought for what they believed in.

I entered the protest as a journalist who favored the movement. I left still as a journalist but also as a person who is proud of who they are and of what they support. I had family and friends that judged me and had opposing views, but I stuck to what I supported and I don't regret a second of it. At the end of the day, I hope they are proud of my strength and perseverance.

On Saturday night, my friends and I gathered in Downtown Orlando but this time to celebrate the Pride Parade. From the moment we entered Lake Eola Park, there was nothing but smiles, laughter, and love. Everyone was just so supporting of one another. There was absolutely zero judgment that day. You could have come to the parade as gay, straight, lesbian, bi-sexual, transexual, queer or anything also and you would still have been accepted. Thousands gathered to support one-another and also to commemorate the 49 lost souls from the Pulse shooting. As I walked with Universal Studios down the streets of Orlando, I felt nothing but pride. People cheered from the sidelines offering hi-fives, smiles, and hugs. The love in the air is honestly indescribable. They were proud of the people who faced dear and ridicule for loving differently than the common majority, and they were proud of the people who supported those individuals for who they are.

I went to support my friends who are gay, bi-sexual, and lesbian, and I have and will always be proud of them for loving unapologetically. I admire them for discovering who they are and choosing to accept themselves for being different and not letting the worry of disapproval cloud their judgment. It was times like these that make me so incredibly proud of who we can be as a community and as a country. We have the ability to accept each other. I've seen is loudly at these last two events and if I as just one person felt the power, I know I am not alone.

Even if you didn't read everything from this, take away at least one thing and that is that it's okay to be different and it's okay to face your fears. Even if you feel like you are alone in your views, find people who will accept you and who will fight for/with you to defeat stigmas and biases. We are strong when we are united, so let's love one another and be proud to be American again.