Waking up today was devastating. I admit, my first thoughts were selfish: how am I going to get up and go sit in an office full of strong women, fighting to empower and advocate for other women, when this is the state of the world we are fighting in? How do I feel confident in what I know I am meant to do when my country has voted against everything I am fighting for? How am I supposed to fight for survivors’ rights when we elected the textbook definition of a narcissistic and manipulative abuser into office? How am I supposed to stand as a pillar of strength for all my loved ones, who look at me and see an empowered young woman, when that's not how I feel today?
It was important to me that I share my thoughts and fears with you today. I have the privilege of speaking to you every week, but it’s been too long since I sat down and wrote you a message that I think we could all use. There are a lot of people today that I’m sure feel the same hurt, disappointment, and disdain that I feel. Nothing will take away those feelings, but I encourage myself and all of you to recenter; the same hurt and disempowerment that we feel in this moment are the exact things that have fueled us thus far. I understand that today’s outcome makes our efforts feel futile and makes it seem as if we’re not progressing the way we should, but those same feelings are what have always ignited our passion. Yesterday’s results are without a doubt a loss, but not one that means our fight is over.
Adversity is no stranger to women, survivors, or any marginalized people in our society. While we remain disappointed we can not be defeated. The culmination of painful experiences and pride in growth is what brought me to this work, and I believe it to be the driving force of most social activism. This, like many other times in our history, is one of those painful experiences but I remain optimistic that we will feel overwhelming pride as we recover and grow stronger. That will be the driving force of change as it always has been.
Today we take the time to mourn what could have been, but tomorrow we must stand as tall as we can. I am overwhelmed with feelings of sadness and defeat, but I know it’s our unwavering strength and resilience that have brought us this far… and will continue to carry us. I believe in a kinder future: one that exists with the core intention of understanding and protecting one another as humans, one with equal rights, personal autonomy, and fair treatment of all. No matter when that future may come, we are the ones standing at its forefront. I encourage us all, including myself, to remember our purpose, to remember why we’re here, and to remember that we are building something so incredibly strong. Our story is not over, we just begin a new chapter.
All my love,
K
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