Deep down I knew he'd win. I was always going to hold out for optimism, but I would be doing you a disservice in this community if I didn't outright tell you that misogyny is real, and ever present.
I won't get deep into the politics here, the Dems lost for a variety of reasons, but we can't possibly deny the fact that women and the issue of our existence (and freedoms) lies at the heart of voting this time round.
Reproductive rights.
Women's place in the home.
Women's expectation to have children and be mother's above all else.
Women's bodily autonomy and right to choose.
The fact remains that a convicted felon and man with multiple accusations and proven examples of crimes against women will soon be in one of the most powerful leadership roles in the world. Again.
And it's not just America. This is happening in the UK too. Kemi Badenoch's comments regarding maternity pay being 'excessive' is symptomatic of the internalised misogyny seeping into some parts of society.
Hear something enough, and you'll start to believe it.
“Of all the nasty outcomes predicted for women's liberation...none was more alarming than the suggestion that women would eventually become just like men.”
Barbara Ehrenreich
It's why this work matters. It's why our community matters. It's why standing up for ourselves and other women, matters.
“Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.”
Maya Angelou
I don't mean to depress you today queen. It's been a hard week. But don't give up. Don't lose hope. Now is the time, as Harris says, to roll up our sleeves. We'll always be stronger together.
“The connections between and among women are the most feared, the most problematic, and the most potentially transforming force on the planet.”
Adrienne Rich
I love you, and I'll be here always.
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