As of November 8, Donald Trump was elected president. For many intersectionalized groups, this was the worst possible outcome of the election. The Trump and Pence duo has expressed quite a few anti-lgbt and anti-immigrant ideals. Among these are Trump’s immense desire to build a wall on the Mexican border to keep out immigrants, and Pence’s claim that electrocution could be used to help queer-identifying individuals “curb sexual desires.”
Among a sea of schemes so outrageous they nearly sound humorous, Trump has actually made some genuinely terrifying statements during his campaign. Trump has said that he plans to make Muslims wear badges in public and force them to register to a database. For anyone who remembers learning about World War II, this sounds strikingly similar to Jews in Nazi Germany being registered as Jewish and wearing stars of David.
His running mate and Vice President-Elect, Mike Pence, has a years-long record of supporting anti-woman and anti-LGBT policies. Pence has stated before that he believes that abortion and marriage equality have no place in the United States, but perhaps his most dangerous quality is his support of conversion therapy.
For anyone who has been spared the gritty details of conversion therapy, it is intended to “fix” a gay or transgender individual. Although sometimes it’s as harmless as forcing people to go to church, conversion therapy can also include inhumane practices such as feeding patients human feces while showing them gay porn. Of course this so-called “treatment” has been shown to be ineffective in curing queer identifying individuals, and it can also lead to depression, anxiety, and even suicide.
So, what will this all mean for minority groups?
A lot of people seem to think that Trump’s election means the start of a second Holocaust, but we have policies in place to prevent that sort of thing. The United Nations are meant to prevent another world war, and United States congress is meant to keep the President from doing anything unconstitutional.
The main issue isn’t that our president would send all LGBT citizens to concentration camps and make abortions punishable by the same jail sentences as murder. The problem is that people have seen Trump making racist, sexist, and homophobic comments, but he’s still won the presidency. This sends the message that you can be a sexual predator or commit violent hate The nation’s choice in this election has shown that the public hasn’t become as open as we’ve thought in the past eight years. A good portion of the United States still oppose women’s, LGBT, and transgender rights.
So, what can you do if you want to combat this hate? The first step is to look out for any minorities; use your privileges to your advantage. Watch out for women, people of color, and gay couples, and defend them if someone seems like they may become violent. Don’t think that you’re overreacting. Call the authorities if someone is becoming violent, and do not leave the victim alone. Videotape the assailant if possible.
You can also sign a petition persuading the electoral college to give the presidency to Hillary on December 19th, but it’s a long shot, and even with Hillary in the Whitehouse, it won’t fix the hatred of individuals.
The easiest way to combat this, though, is peaceful protests. Don’t become complacent. If Trump and Pence try to take our rights away, fight back. Don’t stop creating and spreading peace and knowledge. Above all else, remember that hope always dies last. We will be okay, and we will survive the next four years.
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1. When you see each other after a hiatus it is like no time has passed.
Regardless of what you may have gone through, nothing can change the banter and personal communication you and your friends share. Nothing feels awkward or forced because you are having too much fun catching up!
2. You plan your outings around each other's schedules.
Your friend's work schedules or class schedules are memorized like the back of your hand. They are your priority, and you will do anything you can to get them to join you on adventures when it is convenient to do so.
3. You say 'I love you' on the phone.
Yes, you may say it in real life too, but saying it after a phone call means it has become a customary for you to validate your appreciate for one other. Like a significant other or family member, you feel the desire to express your love at the end of a conversation.
4. Nothing is boring when you are together.
No matter what you do together, you always have a good time. Why? Because your friends' company is all you need. With the right people, you can make any situation memorable.
5. You share weird inside jokes no one else understands.
And you would like to keep it that way. If you are anything like my friend group, we share a strange family dynamic that has lasted as a running joke forever. No matter what it is, your inside jokes and sly smirks will keep the spirits up for ages.
6. You plan to hang out for a couple hours but end up together the entire day.
So now you just expect it and prepare for a 24-hour long get-together. Naps are often a part of the agenda.
7. The hugs say a thousand words.
Perhaps you do it a little too much, but the hugs you share are always meaningful and comforting. Gotta love those group hugs especially!
8. You go on spontaneous adventures together.
It is where your favorite memories come from. Even though you might not be able to do them as much as you would like, you are always down for a trip, big or small, with the group.
9. You consider each other family.
Because you consider each other family, you treat each other like family. Constant love, constant support, and a tremendous amount of meals spent together.
10. They make you a better person.
It is not a special friend group unless you learn from one another. You had to be selective when choosing your friends and when you did, you felt like they could teach you a thing or two. Their actions influence who you are and you could not be more thankful.
11. You can't imagine life without them.
The very thought scares you and sends your heart racing. Thankfully, the ultimate friend group is right there with you so you never have to second-guess their loyalty. Instead, you can bask in the glory that is your ultimate friend group. #squadgoals.
1. No school = no stress.
There are no essays to write, no books to read, and no deadlines to meet. The only worry in the world is keeping track of putting sunblock on.
2. Country music is more fun to listen to.
All true fans will listen to country music 365 days a year, but we all know that it's so much better in the summer when you can roll down the windows.
3. Your skin looks and feels better.
Even if you don't have the type of skin that tans, there is more color there than in the winter ... maybe. Freckles, tan lines, peeling burns and clear skin make for a happier camper. You'll forget all about the ghost version of yourself that was shedding dry skin like a snake over the winter.
4. Being barefoot 24/7 is an option.
Obviously wearing no shoes in the middle of a blizzard isn't acceptable. You know what is, though? Wearing no shoes in the summer ever because why not?
5. Ice cream is an acceptable snack.
For people like me who can't resist ice cream even on a 10 degree day, summer is a giant ice cream blessing. Not only does it taste like heaven, it's actually refreshing.
6. Minimal clothing is required.
Is there anything worse than having to put on layers in the wintertime only to sweat to death the minute you come back inside? No need for more than a tank top and shorts in the summertime.
7. Going to the beach daily isn't weird.
Now that it's hot, it's beach season. If you live near the ocean there is an excuse to drive there day or night, rain or shine. Staying there all day is an option for those who don't burn, and for those who do, you can always come back at night for a bonfire.
8. Cookouts.
Even when they lead to disaster, summertime cookouts are the best. Nothing completes a cookout more than watermelon and corn on the cob.
9. Night swimming.
Oh the thrill of jumping in freezing cold water in the middle of the night. Good thing the air becomes colder than the water, making the pool like a giant bathtub.
10. Spontaneous adventures.
Summertime gives you the freedom to wake up in the morning and decide to do something totally out of the blue that you've never done before. Hiking to a waterfall, rock climbing, going to a museum, or even road tripping are all great summer options.
Even if the heat isn't really your thing, it's undeniable to admit that life really is better in the summer. There's so much more free time, opportunity, excitement and sunshine. Only four months to go!
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