GAYLETTER

“The Inauguration of president-elect Donald Trump” is a string of words whose reality many of us never anticipated. It is still difficult to fathom the events that will unfold in our nation’s capital today. Truthfully, I find our discourse to be tired and our imaginations exhausted. Simple logic has proven fallible and easily ignored by the Right. There are few things left to say that haven’t already been, few fears and other ugly emotions left unaired. Hopelessness has become an attractive affect, I’ll admit.

But this is not a drill. This weekend presents us with a critical moment to vacate ourselves of apathy and numbness. As hundreds of thousands of people will march in Washington to protest this historic election, it’s important us New Yorkers follow suit. The capital won’t be the only place to find resistance and resilience in the face of Trump swearing in tomorrow, January 21st, thousands will also descend on New York — along with countless other places across the globe — to attend The Women’s March on New York City.

The march “will proudly join the international community to march in support of equality and promote civil rights for every human.” It’s an opportunity to find release, to feel heard, and to foster peace. It’s a moment to center the voices of women — trans women, women of color, migrant women, muslim women, and so on — whose rights and protection will only grow more tenuous beneath such a blatantly misogynistic, pig-fucker president-elect.

It’s also a chance to feel less lonely, especially for anyone that fears the effects this election may have on the safety of their bodies, their families, or their love. So go, unapologetically, loudly, proudly. Go gently and lovingly. Go angrily. However you feel, you won’t be alone. (PS: It’s appreciated that you register online beforehand to help The Human First Society know how many folks will be showing up. Visit their FAQ page for any more info).