Like many other young women, I am complaining today. I mourn the idea of ​​a world where I know I am safe and protected, where I know I am loved and appreciated.

In my short life, I’ve seen two incredibly qualified women become the Democratic nominee and lose to a celebrity.

America elected someone who was found civilly liable for sexually abusing a qualified woman.

America elected someone who has at least 26 allegations of sexual misconduct against a qualified woman.

America elected someone who exhibits extreme misogyny towards a qualified woman.

America elected someone who said, “Actually, I’m over it. You know he was down in Palm Beach. I moved on her and failed. I’ll admit it. I tried and (implemented) her, she was married’ to a qualified woman.

We ask women and girls why they don’t come forward when they’re being sexually assaulted or harassed, but we’re voting for a man who said: “I did it a lot, in fact I took her out furniture shopping. She wanted to get some furniture. I said I’d show you where they have some nice furniture. I moved on her like a (crying).”

We criticize women for “choosing the bear,” yet choose a man who admits to a total disregard for consent: “I’m just starting to kiss them. It’s like a magnet. Just kiss. I don’t even wait. And when you’re a star, they let you do it. You can do anything.”

So, yes. I’m crying today.

I cry for 14 year old Emma who was constantly sexually harassed and when she finally dared to speak up the headmaster didn’t care about her privacy and then she was told by her peers that she wasn’t attractive enough to be got those.” compliments” first.

I cry for 15-year-old Emma, ​​who was frightened by “accidental” looks or touches during swim practice.

I cry for my mother, who was so lucky to have access to IVF, but is upset knowing that just 23 years later, she may not have had that option.

I cry for my friend who even after reporting her sexual assault had to see her abuser around campus.

I’m crying for my friend who got high on a night out with friends.

I cry for my former teammate who, without access to an abortion after discovering she had an ectopic pregnancy, would have died.

I cry for every girl who lived worse.

I cry for every girl, not yet born, who will be born into a world where she has fewer rights than I did as a child.

I cry for every girl who has yet to hear what the very person who is supposed to protect our nation has said about them.

I cry for every girl who will see this rhetoric in the media and think it’s normal.

Today I weep for them, but tomorrow—tomorrow I promise to fight, plead and win for them.

Emma Thompson
Albert Lea