Andreia Patiredson

An observation from Election Day; The last way people can help with the campaign before the polls close, is to come hold signs outside of them as people walk in. Last night, I realized overwhelming majority of the people who showed up to hold a sign for me were women. Strong, intelligent, and powerful women. This was the re-election for a legislator. And a small battle in the war to stand up to the effort to destroy equal rights; and we won. Eventually, I will have the time to write about the Shakespearean level of drama found in this election; but for now I simply want to acknowledge those women. Who never wavered in the face of extraordinary vitriol from fellow women they once considered allies, public ridicule from people with influence, and men who aggressively fight for entry into female spaces. They stood firm. Walking through hurricane force winds as easy as if it were a sunny summer day. They refused to be gaslit into believing that protecting equal rights for all under the law, or standing up to harm caused by big pharma, meant that they held hatred in their heart for anyone. They refused to cower to the toxic positivity of the modern world. They stood for true love, actual justice, and everyone’s right to equal rights under the law. Which inherently includes sex based rights. We seem to exist in a brave new world wherein people are embracing the coming dystopia; and the dystopian propaganda that follows. Those who see through it often feel as though they’re the only one. Many of us silently watch the world politely accept a double speak that threatens the very integrity of civilization. I’m here to say we’re not alone. I will never forget the courage of the women who stood with me throughout this election, and at the polls on Tuesday. I exist because of the strength of the women who raised me. One day I’ll write a more eloquent narrative about all this but for now let me end by saying; Thank you.