I am going to start this off by saying this: this article is not about politics. It is not about being a democrat or a republican. It is about so much more than that. My personal political views are beside the point and do not and should not matter to anyone but myself. This is also not condoning or agreeing with the violent protests that have taken place, because I do not believe violence solves anything. It actually has the opposite effect. This article is much different.
You see, this article is actually about celebrating.
It is about celebrating the fact that on Saturday, January 21, 2017, in a time that has decisively split our nation, hate, confusion, anger, taking over, people came together, standing up for what they believe in.
It is about celebrating that today, streets were flooded with people. People that are young and people that are old. People that are white and people that are black and brown and anything in between. People that are gay and people that are straight. People that are men and people that are woman. Today, they were all just people. They were human beings, hoping to have their voices heard and boy, have they done that.
It is about celebrating the world coming together for a common purpose. Marches were held in Melbourne, New Zealand, London, Paris, Seattle, Chicago, New York, Washington D.C., and so many more places, both in the United States and out. How many times can we really say that our WORLD unites, supporting each other as PEOPLE, regardless of geography, race, sexual orientation, gender, or any other characteristic we see so often dividing us.
It is about celebrating our human rights, not just the ones that should be granted to those deemed "more worthy", for one reason or another. It is about the right to our own bodies, to marry whomever we choose, to live in a place we choose, and to not have these walls up keeping us from them because of our appearance, anatomy, or preferences. These rights are not meant for one type of person, but rather, each and every person.
It is about celebrating our differences and realizing we are not as different as we may think sometimes. It is about leaving behind inequality, prejudice and bigotry. We all want the same things, dream dreams, and want to live the lives we should be granted as a HUMAN BEING.
Today, was a day that provided so many, including myself, with hope and inspiration. Not just regarding our newest president, but in our world. Seeing so many amazing, courageous, beautiful people around the world decide that they do not like something, and that they are not going to just take it sitting down. They are going to get up, take action and fight like hell. It inspired me that you always have a say, and if you do not like something, go out there and create the change you wish to see. It gave me hope that this world is not as bad of a place as it might seem sometimes, and that in countries all over, they are willing to fight with the American people, as fellow humans.
January 21, 2017, is a day that will go down in history, and one that you should take some pride in, regardless of your political affiliations. Take pride in the fact that this world is full of strong, determined, fearless people.
And remember, if there is anything you can take away from this, realize how much better and stronger we are when we are united, NOT divided.