Reflection written by Nicole Cheng, Executive Liaison, TDN Cross-cultural Youth Coalition. Nov. 13, 2016

Big news struck the nation very recently: results of the U.S. presidential election. To the surprise of many, Donald J. Trump was elected to be the nation’s President-Elect. While many are rejoicing and celebrating his win, others are left in shambles. Women, people of color, LGBTQs, and more are scared for their lives of the implications that came along with this election.

Here at Transdiaspora Network, we are fully aware of the repercussions of the election – that it seems like we, as a nation, are regressing. In this time when not everyone is a privileged white male in the United States, we acknowledge that the livelihoods of many are put in grave danger. However, we remind you that this is not the time for us to sit around and pout. It is crucial that we stand strong and revere.

Remember that the United States has gone through a lot, and we will make it through this. President-Elect Donald J. Trump has this position because we, the voters, enabled him to be there. Thus, it places the responsibility of fixing things on our shoulders, because we are the ones who have the power to make changes. Right now, we should be grateful that we have so many supporters of equality – that we have come so far as a nation from times of slavery and legal segregation.

Copyright 2016 – Transdiaspora Network

However, this does not mean that we should be content and simply let things be. At this point, it has become a matter of making our voices heard. We should not stand quietly; we must make it known that discrimination is not all right. We must not let it penetrate the minds of our future generations that treating people unfairly because of sex, race, sexual orientation, and other such traits is normal. We cannot desensitize our nation to its moral wrongdoings. We must not let anyone take our nation away from us. Many of my classmates broke down crying in class disappointed that so many people voted for someone who is so discriminating. It’s definitely important now more than ever to promote health, especially with youth empowerment of colored people and females.

Our organization believes that everybody has so much potential and that every single person needs to be empowered. Join us here at Transdiaspora Network in our fight, as we call for a change. The two events may seem unrelated at a glance, but there is a very strong link between HIV/AIDS and level of empowerment. Currently, those affected the most by HIV/AIDS are those who have struck a “dead end” or do not have much going for them. Imagine what will happen to those numbers when minority groups are told that they are worthless and that they are prone to fail. Through empowerment, we promote good health amongst our future young leaders. Without a healthy young generation of leaders, there is no future for our nation and there won’t be a sound foundation to fulfill the new Sustainable Development Goals, especially the ones related to:

• ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages (SDG#3)
• ensure inclusive and equitable quality education environments (SDG#4)
• achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls (SDG#5)

On November 9^th, 2016, more than 100,000 applicants snapped up Obamacare health insurance –this year’s biggest sign-up– the Obama administration announced. Now, if the law is “repealed and replaced”, about 22 million Americans would be without insurance disproportionally affecting young people as well as middle- and low-income communities.

On November 9^th, 2016, in New York City, one would have stepped outside to see the skies crying. One would have taken the subway and see everyone dressed in black and hear the soft sniffles of people around them. One would have seen how broken the city was left. It was the gloomiest New York City had been in a very long time. In addition to the sadness, there was fear. There was fear from the notes that were left on car windshields that said, “If you’re reading this and you’re not as light as this piece of paper, get out.” There was fear of the aggressive people on the streets telling people, “Things have changed. You’re no longer allowed here.” A year ago, people would have laughed at the idea that New York City, the city that never sleeps, could ever reach this point, but it is real, and it is happening now.

Nonetheless, this recent turn of events can be more than just a heart-breaking mishap. Look around at the people who do love you. Take a look at the people in Washington Square Park gathered to sing about how much love they have. Let this motivate and inspire you to make a difference. We must understand just how much something like politics can threaten the very lives of our nation’s people, and we must band together to stand up for what is right. Never forget what this nation was built on: liberty and justice for all. Never forget that you are loved.

Join us in sharing the love by using our hashtag (#TalkThingsOut) on your Facebook posts as well as tagging us (@transdiasporic) on your Twitter and Instagram in pictures of things that you love!

(Scott Lynch / Gothamist)

(Scott Lynch / Gothamist)

(Scott Lynch / Gothamist)