Congratulations, America.

You did it! You really made America “great” again. You’ve managed to beat the odds and elect the least-qualified, most blatantly racist, sexist and homophobic candidate available.

Yes, it’s really “great” that come January, millions of Americans who have had to fight this nation for their rights at every turn will now be led by a commander-in-chief who has openly announced his hatred toward their race, nationality, gender or sexuality.

This could have been a milestone event, as having a woman in the White House would not only be significant on election night, but would have taken steps to break societal barriers that have kept women from having full rights over their bodies. It would set a precedent for girls who have had to learn that American political history is full of men and who could not imagine a place for themselves among the 44 males who have previously served or currently serve as president.

It would set a precedent for increased job and wage equality, something that has been an uphill battle, partially due to a lack of female legislators.

With Hillary Clinton elected president, the U. S. could have reached a milestone that is a long time coming. For a country that claims to be a land of equal opportunity, the reality of becoming president was restricted to white males until 2008.

Yet, even after Barack Obama was elected, the pervasive issues of xenophobia and racism in our country did not end. In fact, they were highlighted with the “birther movement” and race-focused shootings dominating the news.

If anything, our nation’s bruises were made more obvious during the presidency of our first black president. We were so proud of the progress that we’ve made but maybe we’ve learned that we haven’t progressed at all.   

Sexism was a defining factor with Clinton’s election. One thing the past year has shown us is that someone can be blatantly racist, homophobic, untruthful, sexually aggressive and abusive, and a plurality of our country will still support him enough to nominate him for the presidency as long as he makes a half-hearted apology.

The key, of course, is “he.” He is the definition of privilege: a rich, white man whose transgressions were excused at every turn. As frequently mentioned during each new Trump scandal, if Clinton had the same rap sheet, she wouldn’t have made it anywhere close to the nomination.

A silver lining to the black cloud shadowing the U.S. after this election is that the nastiest underbelly of intolerance in our country has been exposed. It shows how betrayed our country feels about business and political deals.

The majority of the electorate was willing to overlook a myriad of personal issues and past transgressions simply because Trump offered the hollow promise of a better future.

Now, we face the reality of a so-called “better future.” A leader with no political experience. A president with the ability and intention to undo eight years of social progress, and a majority of Congress willing to back him every step of the way.

Thanks for voting.