Today, it is hard to know what to say. I’m tired of the fighting, I’m tired of the misinformation. I’m tired of women’s reproductive rights being so threatened and those who don’t actually understand the difference between an abortion and a miscarriage, or that there is no such thing as a “9th month abortion.” However, some other things also weigh on my heart:
- I’m afraid for all my friends in same-sex relationships and marriages. I really do not want to see the equal rights finally granted for “gay marriage” turned over and those who are married to their heart’s desire suddenly told their marriage is invalid in the eyes of the law.
- I’m afraid for my trans friends, who already have to worry about where to pee. Now they will be subjected to harsher laws and more violence for no other reason than bigotry.
- I’m afraid for my black and brown friends, or really anyone who isn’t completely white. Violence was already gaining ground and now, a hate-monger will be taking control of our country, so I worry about my friends being able to safely walk on the street.
- I’m afraid for my Jewish friends. As with racist rhetoric, anti-semitism has been gaining a foothold in the public discourse and I hate to see or hear it.
- I’m afraid for any female, who may see her body further regulated, particularly if cells begin to divide within her. Suddenly we are seen as incubators before there is a viable life and our lives are considered less for the sake of a few cells. However, once it is a child born into the world, those in power want nothing to do with helping that child thrive.
- I’m afraid for the department I work for and the veterans it serves. History has shown that those who will be taking power are often very happy to start wars but are miserly with funds to take care of those who come home from those wars broken and damaged.
- I’m afraid for the medical care promised veterans, as it should never be privatized but that has been the threat from those taking power. Health care for veterans should be handled by the department associated with that care and it should include health care for all conditions, including infertility and reproductive assistance.
- I’m afraid for those who have come to enjoy better health by better access to healthcare that may now be stripped away. The new regime has promised to take away protections for the citizens who need healthcare and return all the power to the corporations that run insurance companies.
- I’m afraid for the women who have been and will continue to be the victims of sexual assault based on the perpetuation of rape culture by the incoming Commander in Chief. Those who complain about “false accusations of rape” are generally and most commonly those engaged in victim blaming, who would rather believe a man who claims his innocence despite evidence to the contrary and those who would believe women do things to “deserve it.”
The new regime will bring with it so much uncertainty and fear for so many. I hope we fear in vain. I hope we find peace and prosperity but as a student of history, that is not what is foreshadowed at all.