Dear Conservatives,

I bet I know what you’re thinking: “Oh great, here’s another millennial, anti-Trump liberal who’s going to whine about the election results.” Well, let me start off by saying…you’re completely wrong.

First and foremost, I just want to let you know that I respect your right to choose who you see fits the Presidential Office the most. I also respect that you’re exercising your right of free speech, but what I don’t respect is your choice to degrade and dehumanize an entire political party or group of people.

Yes, I am a feminist. No, I am not a man-hating, hairy, braless, angry feminazi. And if we want to get technical with terms, the extremist behavior you’re labeling all feminists with is actually called misandry. But that’s a whole different discussion. I believe in equal rights for all genders and races. I believe in equal rights for LGBTQ+. I believe there is a wage gap between men and women, and I believe that should be fixed. I’m not a feminist because I want women to be superior to men, I’m a feminist because I want ALL genders to be equal. That’s what feminism is about.

No, I do not want everything handed to me. No, I do not want free things. I’m willing to work hard for what I want to achieve in life. Do I believe that getting a higher education shouldn’t mean going for broke? Yes, I do. Please don’t mistake that for me wanting to get an education for free. I’m not expecting to get anything handed to me, I’ve worked multiple jobs in order to get where I am right now. I do believe you should be willing to work hard to succeed in life.

I don’t get offended by everything that goes against my political views. I don’t run to a “safe room” every time I’m triggered. And about that last comment, stop using “triggered” as a term to offend someone. It’s not funny, it’s not amusing, it’s just rude. My political views and ideals may be different than yours, but I’m not making fun of you for it. I have an open mind when it comes to politics, but once you start insulting me and using derogatory names, that’s where I draw the line.

Yes, I am pro-choice. This doesn’t make me a murderer. I don’t believe that anyone else should have the right to decide what happens to my own body. Nobody but me should be able to determine what I do with my own body. My body, my choice. However, this doesn’t mean that I’m going to go around telling women that it’s okay to get an abortion at 7 months. (Which rarely happens, mind you. And if it does, it’s for medical reasons). Women should have control over their own bodies. And if you’re a woman who is pro-life, that’s okay, it’s your CHOICE not to get an abortion. That is something I can respect.

Do I agree with President Trump? No. But this doesn’t mean I want him to fail. How crazy would I be if I wanted the leader of our nation to do such a terrible job that it puts all of us at risk? I hope he succeeds, actually, I WANT him to succeed. However, within the first week of his presidency, I am not convinced he’s doing a great job for us quite yet.

And you know what? Thank you.

Thank you for pinning us with the name “snowflakes.” I’m glad you chose that word. You see, not one single snowflake is exactly the same, which makes every single one of them unique. I like being unique. I’ll wear that name with pride.

Thank you for showing me your true colors throughout the election and the inauguration.

Thank you for making it easier for me to be proud of who I am.

Thank you for being so cruel so I could decide to be kind.

Thank you for making me proud to shout “I’m a liberal!”

Truly, sincerely, in all seriousness, thank you.

And one more thing…Hillary won the popular vote.

Sincerely, A Young Liberal