For me. For You. For Us.
I cried. I cried for my disabled daughter. I cried for my mother who lives on a fixed income and who finally hoped she would live to see a female president elected in her lifetime. I cried for my grandmother, who risked her own safety as an illegal abortionist. I cried for the unaccompanied minors from Central America that I have spent years working with. I cried because I have no answers for them. I cried for my own safety and fear of being sexually victimized again. I cried for my lesbian sister who fought so hard for the right to marry the love of her life.
The list is endless.
Since the election results came in I have not been able to turn on the television or social media. I refuse to be told to "tow the line and support the president elect". For every reason I cried, I understood that I must continue the legacy of my grandmother and mother, and move forward ensuring I continue to work and advocate for all those who don't have a voice. For all those who are afraid to come out of the shadows.
For them. For me. For you. For us.