In the last few days I have been trying to figure out how to express my reaction to the election. After much thought, I can sum it up to this: I'm terrified. I'm not afraid of Mr. Trump holding office- the ability of the president to act singlehandedly is limited over all. I have faith in the checks and balances of our government. Having a republican lead government is not ideal, but we could survive. Racism, Islamaphobia, homophobia, xenophobia, misogyny- they have been alive and well since the inception of this country. Rape and hate crimes are not new. But in this election cycle and in the past few days, attacks have become more open and more frequent. I have seen too many personal stories of attacks over the last few days to feel safe-attacks that are too close to home. Many are verbal threats of violence. Many are actual violence-physical and sexual assault. Most of these crimes were fueled by hate for a race or a religion; many others fueled by misogyny and, frankly, disgust for women. Now, if you know me at all, you know that very few things can make me afraid for my future or for my safety. If you know me, you know that I am loud and talkative and bold and outspoken. But today I found myself shrinking- quite literally trying to take up less space- to become inconspicuous and avoid inciting any hate or anger or violence. I'm white and middle class and educated and exceptionally polite and respectful. My privileges are written on my porcelain face and coded into my every word. But as a victim of sexual assault, as a woman who stared at that ugly emergency room ceiling while my rape kit was completed, I honestly and to my core fear for my safety when I step out the door. Even more so, I fear for my queer friends, for my friends of colors, for my female friends, for my Muslim friends, and any friends who have the burden of occupying intersections of those identities. As such, I owe you more and I am sorry. I owe it to you-and to myself- to advocate more loudly, to love more openly, to calmly, kindly, and patiently educate those who honestly do not understand why we are afraid or why the hatred, violence, and bullying are not acceptable. This post is not a commentary against Trump. This is not a commentary against those who voted for Trump. Unfortunately, these issues existed on both sides of the spectrum before Trump's candidacy. Rather post is a promise. This post is a vow to do anything and everything in my power to protect every single person I can, regardless of your race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, level of education, economic status, immigration or citizenship status. I will not shrink or shy away. You are loved. You are valuable.
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