I met Shauna Gillooly for the first time for coffee two or so years ago at a small French bakery in Tallahassee, Florida.
We spoke of Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, boys, and books, and we established a connection that has lasted since then, and that looks like it will last for a lifetime. She is my “Big” in a group I am involved in on Florida State’s campus, but not only is she my Big, she is also my rock, my inspiration, my advisor in life and love, and one of my favorite people.
She’s one of my favorite people, and currently one of my favorite protestors.
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I’m sure, logging onto social media in the last two weeks, you have been bombarded with critiques on Donald Trump’s newest policies and institutions, regulations and rules. I have, too. The videos I see, arguments I read, and opinions I agree with are little sparks that have ignited into a fire across the nation, across the world even. Shauna is one of the most common posters on my Facebook feed that I make sure to read through, watch through, and nod along with.
The other day, I received a text from her that read: “Devoting the next four years of my life to being a crazy liberal bit*h. When I’m not researching and doing what I can to become the baddest bit*h academic, I’m going to go to marches, plan direct action, donate, volunteer, whatever.” I immediately felt a spark ignite in my heart – I wanted to write about her, free her voice and spread it to readers everywhere. She is passionate, forceful, independent, and ready to fight. It was no surprise that this passionate PhD candidate in Political Science was so eager to open up about her beliefs.
So, Shauna, tell me. What are you passionate about, especially regarding our new President and his actions?
“First of all, I’m passionate about constitutional law. I think making the choice to do the work to get my PhD is an act of resistance in and of itself, but I also want to work as an ally.”
When asked how she plans on working as an ally, Shauna spoke of events like the recent Women’s March: “Not only that but events like protests against the Muslim ban, BLM events, and other events like it. And when I can’t physically be there, contributing like organizations like the ACLU and Planned Parenthood, or doing volunteer work where I’m needed.”
“To me, the most important part about being an ally is stepping back and asking others what they need from you, how you can help.”
You’re quite the inspiration in regards to getting involved. Your spark is like so many of the others fighting against Trump’s new regime, it seems, and the fire is catching. Do you have anything you’d want to say to those who look at Trump’s policies and actions and do not understand the “fuss,” as many have characterized the response to these new policies? To those who cannot see what is wrong?
“What concerns me the most is his [Trump’s] flagrant disregard for institutions and law. He’s trying to run government like a business. Newsflash: government is NOT a business, and you don’t want someone who will run it as such. He’s played on people’s fear of the “other” (those who are different than you, whether that be difference through skin color, religion, country of origin, etc). I would say people who are not quite understanding what the “big deal” is are not seeing the bigger picture. This situation holds the potential for a landslide taking away the civil rights and civil liberties of everyone, including those who voted for him. It’s happened before – we’ve seen it happen historically, examples that immediately spring to mind are the populists of Latin America in the 1980s and 1990s.
“This has gone beyond partisanship, and until people start to understand that, Trump and his people have an advantage over us, the people. The legitimacy of government comes from the consent of the governed.”
What advice or words of encouragement do you have for your fellow fighters? Those that are grouping together to work as an ally just as you are?
"I would encourage people who are trying to work as allies to truly take a step back and listen. Check your privilege (which is something I’ve done a lot recently, and there’s always room for improvement). Acknowledge where your privilege exists, and ask how you can use it to make movements as inclusive as possible.
“Oh! And practice self care. If you’re in it for the long haul, this stuff takes a toll, so listen to your mind, heart, and body, and take care of yourself. Self care and self love are also a form of resistance!”
So follow her lead, ladies and gents.
Put yourself out there, volunteer, become an activist, love yourself and love those around you, even those who are different. Check your privilege at the door and simply love, love, love. Do something. Do something that matters. And know that you won't be working alone: my bada** Big Shauna and I will be right there with you.
