Donald Trump winning the election has invoked fear in all of us (with brains). It is no secret that this man, who openly admitted to not paying taxes and supporting the government, takes pride in demeaning women, and sexualizes his own daughter is a racist, sexist, homophobic cheeto. It may seem as if him becoming president has set us back at least fifty years, and to a certain extent, it has. However, there were many progressive accomplishments achieved during this election, and we should not allow the catastrophic election results completely overshadow these small victories. We are currently in desperate need of some positivity, so let’s do a recap of all of the triumphs gained as of this week:
- Marijuana Legalization: California, Massachusetts, and Nevada all passed recreational marijuana, while Florida, North Dakota, and Arkansas have passed medical marijuana. This is a tremendous step in the right direction, with marijuana helping treat those with anxiety, glaucoma, cancer, PTSD, epilepsy, and so much more.
- Kate Brown Becomes the First Openly LGBT Governor Elected: Kate Brown is a bisexual woman and is now the governor of Oregon! She proudly states in an interview “You can’t be what you can’t see, if I can be a role model for one young person that decides that their life is worth living because there’s someone like them in the world, it’s worth it.” She is pro-choice, anti-gun, and pushes for taxing the wealthy.
- Kamala Harris Becomes the First Indian-American in the Senate: Kamala Harris is an Indian/Jamaican woman and is now the first Indian-American Senator! She is also the first black senator from California and the second black woman to serve in the Senate. Senator Harris is pro-choice and supports immigration.
- Democrat Roy Cooper Beat (transphobic) NC Governor Pat McCrory: Roy Cooper is now the governor of North Carolina. This is fantastic news for the LGBT community in North Carolina, because Pat McCrory, who was running for re-election, was extremely anti-lgbt. McCrory just recently signed a law prohibiting transgenders from using public restrooms. Fortunately, Roy Cooper will be taking his place! Roy Cooper fought for marriage equality and fights for a tax policy that is fair for the middle class.
- Ilhan Omar of Minnesota becomes First Somali-American Legislator: Ilhan Omar has won a seat in the House of Representative for Minnesota! Omar is a hijabi and former Somali refugee. She is now the first Somali-American legislator in history of the nation and represents her state with pride!
- Catherine Cortez Masto Becomes the First Latina Senator: Catherine Cortez Masto makes history as the first Latina senator! She won Nevada along with Joe Heck on Tuesday night. Senator Cortez Masto is pro-choice, a strong LGBTQ+ ally, and wants to work towards creating jobs.
