The seasoned politician upset by a business mogul with no previous political experience opens the door to divide and unrest in our nation. With a projected Clinton win in the popular vote, half of our country is left questioning the validity of our political system. How can someone of Trump’s caliber fairly take the presidency?

As a culture, we highly underestimated the voters that elected into office Donald J. Trump. We underestimated the deeply-rooted racism and sexism and homophobia that plagues our country. We underestimated the frustration of the American public with the “Establishment.”

We underestimated Trump.

Key states that historically lean blue appeared as red detours to a Trump presidency.

Half of the population cheers in celebration, while the remainder cry in despair. People of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, Muslim Americans, Mexican Americans, illegal immigrants, and women remain uncertain for their futures.

Trump ran a campaign under a rhetoric of fear, threats, and ignorance. He won the Oval because people in our country agreed with his message. He appealed to a group of people that felt disenfranchised by the current political climate. He tugged at a formerly underappreciated electorate that believes our nation was “greater” at some earlier point in American history.

But, the message remains the same: He won.

And we have to accept it.

We have to accept that racism, sexism, homophobia, and xenophobia are alive and visible in our country. We have to accept that many of our fellow citizens wholeheartedly support and believe in Trump. We have to accept that the very progress we fought hard to establish is now at stake.

Now, we keep our voices loud and clear. We stand up to misogyny, racism, and homophobia. We partake in all elections. We continue our support of President Obama for the remainder of his presidency. And we stay focused.

Take the time to mourn and practice self-care. Take the time to wrap your head around our shocking new reality, but do not grow weary.