The Election Took an Unexpected Turn, but Pantsuit Nation Is Going Strong
:upscale()/2016/11/10/825/n/38761221/98d42492beaa6503_GettyImages-621957778.jpg)
In the wake of Donald Trump's shocking upset in the presidential election this week, Hillary Clinton supporters are still coming to grips with the results — but that doesn't mean they've gone radio silent. Clinton herself has continued to be active on social media, her supporters are tweeting positive messages to one another, and peaceful protests made their way across many cities last night. But perhaps most noticeably, Pantsuit Nation, the private Facebook group that gained so much attention in the final days of the campaign, is more active than ever. Here's a small sampling of the hopeful messages being shared, commented on, and "liked" by thousands of members.
One member shared her experience showing up to work after the election and being taunted by her boss.
My boss walked by and said "so did your vote count?" Laughed and walked away shook hands with the sales department (Trump supporters) and they all laughed. He walked back by my desk and I said "do you think that was appropriate?" He looked perplexed and said "how do you mean?" I said "to mock me and laugh about it in the sales office, do you think that was appropriate?" He pulled me in his office and apologized more than once, and we talked for a while about the concerns I have with the election over. You see he didn't vote, he thinks it's all a scam. Regardless I felt pretty empowered, I felt like a real #nastywoman sticking up for myself and not allowing a man, in a superior position, make my voice a joke.
Then, 2,400 group members chimed in with their own similar stories and words of encouragement.
Group members are writing thank-you letters to Hillary Clinton and mailing them to her PO box.
Taking the suggestion of many of you and thanking HRC today. It's the only thing I can think to do. Thank you, Hillary, for shattering glass ceilings. For relentlessly pushing forward in the face of some really hateful people/actions/rhetoric. Thank you for your grace, poise, and professionalism. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
One transgender member shared her own story and reaction and was immediately applauded by hundreds of positive comments.
Yesterday I posted in this group in hope, optimism and a sense of shared purpose and destiny. To have that vanish so completely and be replaced by everything we all feel is truly beyond words. I am transgender and I will not belabor my own fears today or the impact on my trans sisters and brothers, nor my Cis sisters, not my Muslim, Latino, sisters and brothers. We spoke so much about that leading up to yesterday and those arguments did not persuade a shocking number of people. All we can do now is hunker down and prepare to defend ourselves, families and communities and never give up our vision for America.
"I took America at its word that I was free to be myself. I will hold her to it."
My first impulse was to stop transition for my family's sake. My son . . . my young, sensitive, artistic little Jewish boy whom I must care for and protect . . . must he also live in this world with a transgender parent? The joy and optimism that I began my transition with seems unsustainable today. But being yourself and speaking your truth cannot stop when times get hard. Maybe that is when it matters most.
I took America at its word that I was free to be myself. I will hold her to it.
People are reminding each other that there's strength in numbers and that we all still have a voice, regardless of this election's outcome.
To the amazingly wonderful, creative, unique, and strong individuals in this group . . . PLEASE KNOW YOU ARE LOVED. Not just by those you hold close to you, but to millions of people who don't even know you. Who will fight to the last breath for your rights as a human being and a citizen of this country. . . . We need to fight, to educate, and to promote tolerance. And there are over 3 MILLION human beings in this group that are prepared to do that.
I like most of you have been crying a lot since last night. But I have never been one to stay down for long! Hillary Clinton's speech reminded me that though this is a major setback, we can change history and make this world better for ourselves, our children, and future generations.
Group members are reminding each other that although we didn't elect a female president on Nov. 8, it's only a matter of time.
One of our daughters will be president one day, ladies. Let's wallow today then get back up tomorrow and get that girl ready to win. 3 million plus members. Today hurts like hell. But what if we all continue the work that has started?
"For ourselves and our daughters, let's continue this work and not lose this amazing momentum."
In both organized and spontaneous ways. Locally promoting women in business and public service, on non-profit and corporate boards, and in making it possible for family and career to work together — if so chosen. For ourselves and our daughters, let's continue this work and not lose this amazing momentum. What is next? Is it Pantsuit Nation local chapters? A national march? Bringing our daughters to meet local, female leaders? Reaching out to our grandmothers who remember how it used to be . . . That we have come so far.
Let's get us there. Our daughter did not get a Madame President for her 6th birthday, but she saw that it was possible. When she turns 10, she will think it is weird if a woman is NOT on the ballot. Let's make it happen.