Dear America,

I know the world is a scary place as of right now. Uncertainty is a strong global feeling, to say the least. Countless months of ads, signs, protests, and fighting that all led to the night of November 8^th. A day that essentially was one collective nation wide panic attack. Sides were taken, comments were slung and honestly it was the most divided I have seen our country in quite some time. I know a lot of you are scared; some are thrilled to have this man leading our country. You all have every right to feel what you feel.

To those who are afraid, I understand. To the LGBTQ community, stay strong. To those who feel lesser because of their Race, Religion, Sexuality or beliefs, please, continue to be you, the strong you, the one who fights and the one who is brave. No matter what anyone says, you are valid, your feelings are valid, and your identity is valid.

In the past 24 hours I have heard versions of the phrase “I have never felt afraid to just exist until now.” And in complete honesty, I do not want to hear that ever again. You should never be afraid to live your true authentic life. This country is built on the backbone of hardworking Americans. We have fought so hard to get where we are and I don’t want to see us fall apart. We are a resilient bunch. We have come back from so much and we are built for survival.

I have heard a lot of people saying, “Love has lost.” I believe it hasn’t. And it never will. Right now it’s just hard to see. The hate America is holding onto is shadowing over our hearts. But we must revolt. We must show compassion, acceptance and change. It’s time for us to fight the bigotry and resent that has plagued our country and release it from its tightly wound fist. It is time for a revolution of love.

All I ask of you in this time of uncertainty is to love. Just. Love.

Spread love and stomp out the ashes of hate.That’s all we can do. It may seem impossible. But I know your voice is strong, and I am standing right by your side.

And if I may salute Hamilton, please, stay “young, scrappy and hungry. Just like our country.” And do not throw away your shot.