America, you’ve broken my heart. I never thought I would see this in my lifetime. I never thought I would see a man who has spewed nothing but hate be voted into the presidency. I sat and cried as I watched the last of the polls come in. I can’t imagine what marginalized groups are going through, how terrified and disappointed they must be. I don’t blame them one bit. A powerful country has a racist, misogynistic, unqualified ball of vitriol running it with a VP who is equally horrendous. I just, I can’t believe it. It’s 2016, this shouldn’t have happened. I don’t understand how so many people could have sat home and not voted when the lives and safety of millions are on the line. The results of this election has told them that they don’t matter; that women, LGBTQ+, PoC, non-Christians, etc., don’t matter. It’s bullshit. You are not alone and you matter.
Even if Clinton had won, the very fact that so many voted for Trump shows the world that racism, sexism and hatred is a prominent, ruling factor in that country. I knew those things were a problem in the US, but I never imagined it was that strong. I never imagined that it was a majority. I am so afraid for the future, and that’s only a fraction of how terrified those living in the US must feel.
Reach out to your friends, to your family, be there for one another. Be together to ward away the fear of what’s to come. I am with you, for all that I can do from where I am, I am with you.
Be strong and have faith. It sounds hollow when my own faith in the US is shattered, but we have to try. Love and hope has to win in the long run. Take time to grieve, take time to recover. Four years is a long time. I won’t say we’ll survive it, because a lot of people probably won’t, but we need to stick together. Four years isn’t forever, though it will probably feel like it for millions. I am sending all of my love to anyone who needs it. I’m here, I love you and I am with you.
-Erin