First and foremost, I would like to say that I have always respected the opinions of others. As human beings, we are going to have differences; I have always had a deep appreciation for said differences because of the diversity they bring about. That being said, I simply cannot accept an opinion that is harmful or has the potential to be. I am writing this article with tears in my eyes as I begin to reflect on the 2016 election.

Republican candidate, Donald Trump, was elected to become the next president of this great nation. The moment I heard the news, I burst into tears. As a woman, I felt the pain of having a president who views women as objects and doesn’t see them as equal to men. As a Mexican American, I felt the pain of having a leader who believes that myself and my people are criminals and rapists. As an LGBTQ individual, I felt the pain of a president who doesn't believe my love has the same validity as that of a heterosexual individual. As a human, I cried for what this meant for us today and those of future generations. I cried for the violence and platform for hatred this decision has created.

I cry seeing the division between the people of a nation that has fought so hard for unity. It pains me to see human beings rooted against each other with hatred burning in our hearts. I have been told time and time again to simply sit down and accept Trump’s victory. I will not. I will not stand behind a president who believes it is acceptable to ban an entire religion from our country. I will not stand behind a president who believes it is acceptable to objectify women and base their value off of their physical appearance. I will not stand behind a president who believes that LGBTQ marriages are not a right that should be enforced on a federal level. I will not stand behind a president whose words are cold and full of hatred. I will promote peace in a nation riddled with violence and injustice. I will spread love unto others who are fueled by hatred. I sure as hell will stand behind this country. I will stand behind the goodness and hope this country has brought to millions. I will stand behind compassion, acceptance, and love in the midst of hatred and intolerance. I will stand behind the values this country was founded on; freedom and tolerance.