Last Tuesday, one of the most shocking results in the history of the Presidential Election occurred. Whether you supported Trump or not, you have to admit that the news outlets and all reporters were not counting on him winning. Even some of his supporters did not think it could actually happen, but it did. Donald Trump is now going to be the next President of the United States of America, and it’s no secret that many people are afraid and outraged. Although I am part of the groups that have been attacked during his campaign, I still know people who are more afraid than I am and have every right to be. So, I decided to interview a friend who is a POC, queer woman who has been affected by these results.

CL: Did you think Trump was going to win?

I was split between Hilary and Trump winning. The hopeful side of me was for Hilary but the negative half had a feeling that it would be Trump.

CL: How do you feel now that he has won?

When I found out that he won, I was absolutely sick to my stomach. I could not find the strength to get out of bed and face this country that I live in. I grew paranoid and felt a great sadness within me that still has yet to be cured. I know that our country has never been perfect and there has always been conflict whether it be about race, gender or sexuality, but it is still terrifying to witness friendships fall apart because of this.

CL: What do you say to people who think the protesters are overreacting?

We are exercising our freedom of speech and we are showing that there are people willing to protect not only their own rights, but the rights of others and to provide a community that is safe for those who feel threatened.

CL: Do you feel safe?

As a woman, a person of color and a member of the LGTBQ community, I do not feel entirely safe. While I am surrounded by those who love and care for me, I still can't help but feel a bit paranoid whenever I step outdoors.

CL: Do you feel you have to hide who you are now?

Part of me feels the need to hide for my safety, but I really don't want to because it's who I am and is not something I should hide from others.

CL: What impacts do you think this will have on your generation?

I think that while it may seem like it is dividing us, I believe it will strengthen many of us. I have seen so many people come together to form groups, to support their friends, family and strangers. It truly warms my heart and restores my hope to know that there are people like that. We have come a long way for equality in all aspects, and I like to think that my generation is strong and isn't willing to fall back on decades of progress.

There you have it — Trump winning from the prospective of someone who belongs to three groups that have been targeted by him and his campaign. Now that he is our president-elect, we can keep protesting and only hope for a better tomorrow. We must be an ally for all of those we know are no longer safe.