On November 9th I woke up and Donald Trump became the 45th president of the United States of America.
Of course, I am in shock as is half of our country and the rest of planet Earth. We as a united free nation have just elected a man who will take away the rights of so many minorities. Not only this, he will condemn women's rights. And to my family and acquaintances, this is something you cannot deny.
I am ashamed to associate with human beings, men and women, who chose to use their privilege to vote for someone who has just taken us hundreds of years backward. I am ashamed of mothers and women who surrendered our progress to a man who does not respect our gender. I am ashamed of the fathers who praise Trump. Do you not see that in a moments time your daughters will be back on the bottom? That we could potentially be punished for making choices about our own bodies? That your LGBT sons and daughters may not be able to get married anymore? That sexual assault will continue to be an unimportant matter?
I am proud to have a father who stood up for me and my mom. I am proud to have an immigrant grandfather who cast his vote for Hillary Clinton. Because they are aware it is not just a vote. It was a gesture towards a more progressive nation. So on this day in history, my heart is breaking. My heart hurts for the minorities in my country. My heart hurts for my future children. And my heart is broken for all women.
This is the first election my brother and I have voted in and I took this responsibility very seriously. I have been a politically aware person and have always known I would support Hillary and help her shatter this god forsaken glass ceiling. I have formed my own political views and will instill this freedom into my family in the future.
However, this election became far more than a political race. I no longer was an informed voter, I was a competent human being who was fighting for the rights of those who continue to be marginalized. I am scared that many of you do not see this. I am not fighting the system because I am angry about the outcome. I am angry that in the 21st century we are still having to reassure people of color, LGBTQ communities, women, Muslims and every other minority that they DO matter. That together we are stronger. You are not alone because I, along with millions of other people, will work to ensure that your lives will be valued. That despite what Donald Trump has said every citizen and every human being deserves equal rights.
So although I spent the lot of my day shedding tears alone in my room, I have now seen what my duty is. I have a duty to defend my immigrant family. I have a duty to protect the strong women who have raised me. I have a duty to stand up and tell all of you that I am scared, but I will not lose hope.
Because as Obama said, the sun will rise in the morning. I encourage all of you to be informed and empathetic people. To see the world through the lens of the marginalized. To work towards an America that makes all of us proud. May whatever God there is please bless our beautiful country.
