At the rally, marchers spoke on why they march: on behalf of LGBTQ, the disabled, immigrants, family members. We walk for a better tomorrow. This is only the beginning. The march was for more than protesting Trump and his outdated thoughts. I'm marching for my immigrant grandfather, for my friends of color, my friends of LGBTQ, for a better future. It was a march to support all that and more. I'm marching for my values.
If you have talked to within the last eight years, you know I love former president Barack Obama. In 2009, in eighth grade English we watched the inauguration and it's something I'll never forget. Our teacher wheeled in a TV on a cart for the occasion and we watched history happen before our eyes. In 2012 I felt cheated I couldn't vote for Obama, my 18th birthday only five months after the election. Obama brought his hope, his thoughtfulness, his humor, his intelligence to this country when we needed it most. Now we need it again. Obama thinks we are overall good than bad and it keeps me positive.
Saturday I was reminded why I am unapologetically myself, loud and opinionated. Because I want to get somewhere. I am honored, grateful and humbled to have been a part of something so big and historical that is just getting started. It seems almost impossible to unify four friends for a night out but how is it possible more than two million people worldwide unified to march on Saturday? Common interest and goal. People are more invested and more aware than ever before so, again, I'm positive.
While the day after election day I was anything but positive, I am learning to give chances even when someone might not deserve it. I said I left a lot in 2016 but unfortunately I couldn't leave Trump. Even when I was in Vietnam a drunk Australian man told me to give Trump a chance. I am giving Trump a chance, but he's still not my president. I am giving peace a chance. I am giving positivity a chance. I am giving the kingdom a chance. I believe in the kingdom, not kings.