I’m mostly writing this all out for myself. I need to wrap my head around some things.

I have been hearing and reading comments about the horrible women marching for abortion rights on 1/21. It saddens me to think that some people think that is what that march was about. It also angers me to hear people say, “your candidate lost, get over it.” 1/21/17 was not an anti-Trump march. It was not a bunch of winey women and men complaining about the president elect. The march was a call for unity and equality. It was to call attention to the slippery slope our country is currently heading down. A slope that the new leadership seems to be embracing and at times advocating.

It was a PEACEFUL demonstration telling the US government and the world that women’s health issues and decisions are their own, that homosexuals cannot be shocked into being straight, that all people deserve the right to marry, that science is real and our planet needs protection, that equal pay for equal work is a no brainer, and that there is no place for racism in our country. Men, women and children of all races, religions, ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, and nationalities joined together to make their voices heard.

I have a son and a daughter. They are both being raised to be accepting, kind, strong individuals. My son is being taught that boys and girls are equal. Girls are not viewed as things to look at, and acquire. My daughter is being taught the same. She can do and be whatever she wants and no one has the right to tell her otherwise. My children can defend themselves and others. They are kind. I hope they continue to live how they have been taught, and lead by example.

Trust me, I understand the frustration that comes from seeing illegal immigrants taking advantage of the welfare system. The same frustration happens when I see white Americans doing it. Does that mean all immigrants are free loaders or that the entire welfare system needs to be dismantled? Nope, it means some changes need to be made. Is the thought of terrorists committing violent acts a reality? It sure is, but it does not mean that every middle easterner is a member of ISIS. Does your religion say that abortion or certain methods of birth control are wrong? Maybe. But not everyone is a member of your religion. There is still a separation of church and state, and in the United States of America, all citizens are guaranteed equal rights.

So, this is my 2 cents. Do I think a man who thinks it’s okay to grab females by their genitalia should be president? Absolutely not. Do I think a man who thinks electrocuting homosexuals into being straight should be second in control of our great country? Again, not on your life. Do I think a woman who has zero experience with the public school system should be in charge of our national education system? Hell no. And this is why we march and this is why we make our voices heard. It’s not about difference of opinions. It’s about a fundamental lack of respect. It’s about people acquiring positions of power because of the amount of money they donated, or the connections they have. You can say you’re not a racist or a misogynist, yet not taking action against sexism and racism is saying you’re okay with it. You can say that as a female you’re content with watching more and more of what so many of our ancestors fought for, being slowly and systematically stolen. You can say that you’re not fearful for your daughters, and granddaughters, but I cannot say that.

So I will continue to question, and advocate, and fight, and post on social media. With all this being said, I do not hope that the president elect fails. I do hope that he listens to the millions of people in the United States and around the world and commands with integrity and respect for all.