Hang in there...

My girlfriend and I watched this back when you'd posted it on youtube, but only now have gotten the chance to become patrons. Just wanted to say thank you; it helped a lot.

Almost a year later that I came across this, and I still appreciated it. <3

JK

"Where the F**** am I?" is all I can think. I am trying my best not to be positive but to be funny because otherwise I feel like I will be swallowed into a pit of sorrow. Watch lots of absurdist comedy and reminding myself that times of will make you very creative in order to survive. Currently working on some absurd comics. The turn to humor has worked so far because honesty can barely believe I'm in the 21st century.

Robyn Valentine

I'm actually a conservative in a family of liberals so I related to this video but I think not not for the reasons you had in mind. I agree that regardless of where you're coming from politically you should never lose your sense of empathy when discussing current issues with someone and that we tend to have a pack mentality when it comes to elections which is , on the whole , incredibly unproductive to civil discussion.

I'm not doing so great. I live in South Carolina and I'm moving to Massachusetts because I don't know if I will be safe down here in Donald Trump's America. This whole election I was certain that at any moment the adults would wake up and put an end to this nonsense. I'm worried about all the soldiers that are going to die face down in the sand because of that man's incompetence. And my mind keeps thinking about what Germany was like in the 1930's.

Kelli Strong

Personally, I think I'm still in a mild state of denial. It feels like it really hasn't hit me yet. I do remember that my initial first thought after I found out about the election results were just two words, "dumpster fire." I feel more disappointed than angry, especially considering the state results (I live in Oklahoma, I knew Trump would easily win the state no matter what). But, in the aftermath I have doing a lot of soul searching, especially given how for a while now I have been considering to come out as bisexual to a family that is mostly very conservative. I do know that this whole election season (especially after Burnie had to drop out and Trump's won) has made me take a good hard look at America and really realize how messed up it is in almost every system it has in place. I've never been much for politics, but this and even through the outcome of Brexit really opened my eyes to see how desperately people need to be well informed and NEED to let their voices be heard by how they vote. I am trying to be more empathetic and less likely to be stubborn on my own opinions, and I can honestly say that not all the Trump supporters are Nazi KKK members. A lot of my own family members voted for Trump, and I think they ended up voting for him was mostly due to the fact that Hilary seemed to them just another corrupt politician (especially after the Email scandal) and not much change would happen during her presidency that would help them. Honestly, I could see their point especially in the aftermath of Burnie's drop out of the race and the continuing leaks of Hilary's emails. However, I will never condone anyone who's message is one of hate and I am glad to see that there are so many people out there who won't condone someone like Trump as well. I know it will be a bit of an uphill battle in the following 4-8 years, but as the common saying goes; "the night is darkest just before the dawn". Sorry that was a bit ramble-fest. Lindsay, I just want to personally thank you for all the years of brilliant, intelligent, hilarious content that you keep putting out! I am also so thankful for this safe space that you have created. I wish you much luck on your future endeavors (especially your finishing your Masters). I am also thinking about going for my Masters in the next few years. I love your content and I am always so glad to see more!

I can't help but think of that exchange from Watchmen. "What happened to the American dream"? "It came true". Conservatives finally get the "independent pure capitalist" they've dreamed of, and liberals get to have the factional civil war they've wanted since Kennedy died. American liberalism has always been an alliance of necessity, containing many smaller groups that don't always have much in common with each other. The internet gave us all just enough hubris about the "swelling numbers" of our faction to think we didn't need the others. One starts to be reminded of the Greek myth of Icarus...

I am both American and Norwegian, and I moved back to Norway from the States 5 years ago. I'm worried about the world, the whole world. I'm worried about my kids and their future. It seems sometimes like the whole world is nuts. I'm glad to not be in the US right now, but I feel like a coward for having left (I saw the signs--when the wage gap keeps increasing, nothing good will come from it). My faith in humanity is shaken. It feels like hate is spreading. It is good to see that I am not alone here. Thank you.

Kristin I.

Thanks for posting this message of support. I'm still waiting to wake up from this nightmare, only to remember that it's all for real. I can't stop thinking about Hitler and how he rose to power by getting the disaffected, racist, nationalistic demographic of Germany at the time angry enough to become Chancellor, and from there rip apart the Weimar government with relative ease. I know, I know. It's not at all the same situation. German democracy was always on shaky ground post-WWI and there wasn't the same degree of checks and balances in place to stop the change from democracy to dictatorship. Our Constitution is our best defense against this kind of situation, and I'm going to be sending out prayer-thoughts to the spirits of our Founding Fathers that we're all together stronger than one overgrown, proudly ignorant, arrogant enfant terrible and the gang of fascists he's gathering together. I teach at a major art school in Detroit and every single one of my students have been going through the same kind of shell shock. Not that I would wish this on anyone, but it really helps that I can go to work and hang around with so many bright, like-minded individuals, and we can talk shit about the situation and get a few desperately needed laughs. Many of my students are either female, non-white, LGBTQ, or have friends who are, and there's a lot of deep concern about the future and what may happen to their rights or status. All we can do at this time is to watch what happens, and be prepared to stand up and defend each other in a positive way. We can't adopt the rabid vitriol of those who run around screaming "YOU LOST!" over and over. As Mrs. Obama so perfectly stated, "When they go low, we go high". I'm currently living in a suburb in which I see Trump voters EVERYWHERE, from pick-up trucks roaring around with hateful bumper stickers and big American, Confederate and/or Gadsden flags flying, to house after house with Trump-Pence signs on the lawn, all of it like a cut-scene from the movie "They Live", except that I don't need special glasses to see the horror, plus I'm all out of gum. ^^ As awful as things are, I try to remember that old saying by Emerson, "When it's dark enough, you can see the stars". I think that's what we need to be for each other and for our country, candles in the dark that together will overcome the bleakness around us. Being a depressive and having had my share of hard crashes, I know that the ONLY option is to persevere, as hard as it may seem, because, as Finnick put it in Mockingjay, it's 100 times harder to put let yourself fall and to then pull yourself back together than it is to hang on. Sheesh, I need to stop quoting movies all the time....

South African, so I'm not too directly affected, but still really worried. The world was trending for the better and it feels like it's going to go in the opposite direction. Good luck with the next chapter in your life. Ganbatte! Fighto!

Hi Lindsay. It hasn't been fun. In midst of the big news I was busily trying self-publish and Patreon an episodic novel and get through my last quarter through transcription school and a part-time job, and still am. It sucks adding the idea that your health care might go up in the air or that the new American economy might not lift a finger while you're trying to get your ducks in a row. But I get visit my family for Thanksgiving, so it's not all doom and gloom. It sounds like you're going though some sacrifices and transitions as well. I enjoy your videos, but I, and I think plenty of other patreons, can wait until you finish up your priorities; we'll be patient.

Australian medi has not let up on Trump, and nor do I think that they should. The Australia First Party and One Nation party, both of whom are extremely right wing were seen dancing in the streets when he won. My grandmother is taking it the worst, she left Europe aged 10 because of rising fascism and many of the Jewish family members died, she says that across Aus, Europe and the US the same thing seem to be happening again. My personal last few weeks haven't been too bad. Though watching Trump win hit me harder than I thought it would the first few days. Being from other countries it is particularly frustrating as many of our foreign policies many drastically change with such an unpredictable leader and we have no say in it. I genuinely thought Hillary would win. However, on a POSITIVE note, I'm so glad that you're going back to complete your masters. Your videos, particularly the essays are so informative. Since 2012, when I discovered your work, I know that I can watch one of your videos and it will make me feel better. Thanks so much for your awesome work.

Chelsea Monk

I literally cried myself to sleep on November 8th. I had just come out of the closet, and on November 10th I found that someone had defaced my car with homophobic slurs. But my family completely supported me and that was amazing. And work has been a much-needed distraction, especially since I live in Arizona and there is a lot of hate brewing around here. I work at Petco and I love all the animals, and taking care of them as well as my pets at home is also helping a lot. I had to up my dosage on my antidepressants, because I know that his stupid wall is gonna affect AZ's economy significantly. But... I'm still alive. Plus we actually voted yes on higher minimum wage here so there's that.

i feel like shit. i rode my bike 30 miles which is more than ive done in years. then i rode some more. then some more. legs fell off.<br> spent about 6 hours on twitter reporting nazis.. none of them were suspended <br> binged jessica jones and luke cage 2nd time<br>read about 100 diff articles about why it happened, all contradicting each other. <br>i rewatched boondocks "its a black president". i fell asleep with a half eaten bowl of chickpeas . i havent washed my clothes. <br> "48 laws of power" is the new "the secret" and a lot of us are not gonna fit into that world.

Don Bright

Honestly I feel stressed, on the one hand I am very lucky to be a Norwegian and hopefully Trump won't affect us too much but on the other hand I have a lot of friends that I truly care about that live in America and are really gonna be affected negatively now that Trump is in power. It is very frustrating to be on the outside and not being able to help much.

The Great Heathen King

well said LLinos

Don Bright

Compared to two weeks ago: A LOT BETTER. But not really. But better than I expected I would be. In the first twenty fours after the election, I had suicidal thoughts and two break downs throughout that Wednesday. I'm going outside and trying to work on some projects. I am considering going back on Youtube to do some videos as well. But recently, I have been considering maybe trying grad school. I want to move to New York City actually. I've been looking at NYU and all that jazz. But even if I decide not to do a masters, I do want to head back to New York City just because I miss the east coast. I lived in Los Angeles a few years ago but I'm honestly not a big fan of that city and it doesn't excite me as much as NYC. I'm more terrified for my friends that are LGBT, Muslim, and undocumented immigrants. I don't know what will happen to me as I do not use birth control and while I am Mexican American I feel like I'm 'white enough' that some people would probably not see me as a Mexican when they first meet me but who knows. I am more concerned about turning 26 in a few months because that means no more help from my parents and the ACA seemed like a great option although I still live with my parents. They could always help me out with insurance until I actually get a steady job/income. (I'm underemployed and all that fun stuff. Pretty much a freelancer at this point). So I really don't know. I have this ray of hope that maybe the electoral college realizes what a mistake and shitlord Trump is and decide to vote him out. But who the hell knows. But other than that, I wish I could sleep through these next several years. I really hope he isn't in the oval office for more than four.

Yvette

*Sending big warm hugs to everyone*

I'm with you on the stages of mourning thing.

Sarah Jesness

Thank you so much for making this Lindsay. I discovered your videos entirely by accident a month or two ago and I've been devouring them ever since. You're such a talented creator, and it really means a lot that you take the time to address everyone personally like this. Just, thank you.

Blue Gemini

I still wake up every day and am unpleasantly surprised to recall that Trump did in fact win. Fortunately (?) I was steeled for this from the 1996 elections back in Israel. To think I left to find hope here. Well, I guess you make your own hope. I wish you best of luck in going back to grad school. I myself got back in after I dropped out the first time, and now have my PhD. My advice to you is to make sure to find friends and allies among your fellow graduate students. Student government can be frustrating but rewarding, and is a great place to meet people from other disciplines, working together for a common goal.

Klil H. Neori

Wherever you go hope you will do well. I have been following you gladly both for your humor and insight on various topics. You are a good example of what I consider an intelligent person worth talking to and be reminded that you have several people who follow you gladly to hear your sincere words. I am currently trying to decide weather I should bother drawing again if its a real passion or I'm just that bored in general. But will be what will be right, not many options otherwise. If you feel like you want to move to Canada several of us follow you up here and will welcome you gladly.

Gaby Dona

Hi Lindsay, I've been wanting to write to you for a while now so I'm going to take this opportunity. I just want to say thank you for your videos. They've been keeping me going through hard and stressful periods for years now but especially since the EU referendum. Being able to listen to you talk about human experiences reflected in our media managed to be a distraction but also helped me process some of the wider social context connected to what happened. Watching your videos and other analysis oriented content have been gotten me to think possibly in ways I hadn't before, and prompted me to do my own research where I hadn't before. Which is why I hope, that despite current affairs and the busier life you have ahead of you, you'll continue making these videos not matter how infrequent they may be. Now more than ever am I convinced that what you're doing is incredibly important. I come from a family that voted overwhelmingly to remain. The two family members I know who did vote to leave didn't finish their schooling. One being my Mam-gu who was forced to leave at 12 because 'what use did a poor rural girl have for education'. I believe the most important thing to nurture in any child or person is the ability to ask questions. What you and a lot of other creators do is share this ability and knowledge on ways to dissect and question the media that shape our lives. While yes your funded by patrons, your work is out there and available to almost anyone for free. I don't have pay thousands of pounds in tuition fees or be burdened with student loans to learn a bit more about the 3 act structure or the varying depictions of a female politician in american media. I'm paying a bit out of my own choice once a month but for anyone who can't afford that, it's just as accessible. While the near-future is unrelentingly bleak, I do think you online thinkers and creators are assisting in the momentum of a better and more equal world in the long term. So again, thank you so much! And best wishes in completing your Major.

LL

I don't feel good about how things are. I believe it'll get better, eventually, but it's going to get worse first. I keep hearing about new appointees with really bad histories, and then I see the Republican party just turn a blind eye to it as if this is how things should be. I'm worried for my friends. I'm a straight white dude, so I'm not in any danger. But I'm worried for my friends. People are going to think it's OK to be overtly racist and homophobic because of the rhetoric used in this campaign, and I'm worried the new administration isn't going to give a shit. And that's just not OK. Best I can hope for is that people actually turn up for the 2018 mid-terms and vote. It's going to get worse, but maybe the damage can be mitigated.

Kevin Strehl

That said, I can remember election night -- mostly remember... it wasn't a sober evening -- and talking with the people I hadn't checked in with recently, especially the ones outside of the coasts. The sense of solidarity, of community, was heartening. I had reached out to help them get through this, but they helped me. It made it seem possible to survive all of this. Thank you for being a good person, Lindsay. Have a safe trip.

I'm just horrified by what's happened. With every new nascent scandal -- conflicts of interest, press blackouts, sieg heil? Really, white America? You kiss your grandparents with that mouth? -- going by with no traction from an apparently compliant press and a self-serving legislature, it feels impossible we can be saved. We can only endure.

I'm finally feeling slightly better the last couple of days, actually sleeping and eating like normal for the most part. But, yeah, pretty emotionally devastated overall. Spent a lot of time forcing myself to be with other people since otherwise I'll just crawl into bed and weep all day. Most of the people around me are pretty horrified as well. Although one person kept going on about over-reacting, and give him a chance, and how he could end up being the greatest president ever and I just started ignoring him. Kinda wanted to punch him in the face, actually. There’s just something about watching my country jump on the fascism wagon that’s been getting steam lately that doesn’t make me particularly generous to anyone. “Well, people always freak out like this after elections.” Really? My mother was crying on the couch all day, my best friend worries her dad and family might get deported and every talk show host looked and acted like 9-11 just happened. Anyone who thinks that’s all fine and dandy can kiss the whitest part of my ass. So, yeah. Mostly just trying to get something productive done this week. Weirdly, I’ve been thinking about going back and getting my Master’s as well (the positions I’m most interested in basically demands one). I wish you luck in California!

I'm terrified. Terrified for my friends who are minorities. Terrified for myself and my family due to our Jewish surname. Terrified of the Nazis in Washington (I won't call them the "Alt-Right"). I'm considering buying a gun, because I'm scared. Something I never thought I'd do. I'm a New Yorker... I grew up in a multicutural city. Good luck getting your Masters. Good luck on your return to California. You've always been a New Yorker in my eyes. Our city is lesser without you.

Scared. This has not been good at all for my mom, who needs to destress as part of healing from heart surgery (which we could only afford thanks to Obamacare which might be dead soon), and it's kind of impossible not to be stressed out from all this. Especially stressful is how crazy my aunt's become; I didn't know it was possible to be both an Orthodox Jew and a rabid anti-Semite, but recently she's been talking about how Israel and the US teamed up to cause 9/11, how the Holocaust was a good thing because it led to mass aliyah to Israel, and how she respects the Westboro Baptist Church's commitment to the Bible and how she also hates "the evil Jews who are running America." Unsure whether or not it's the right time for me to come out as genderqueer publicly.

Reuben

Honestly, it feels like the stages of mourning. I was sobbing at first.... then I hit my wine stash. I now no longer have a wine stash. Then I just hit anger, realizing I was going to have to fight everything for the next four years... then mild hope when I realized there was no super majority in the senate or house so at the very least it will wont be as easy for them to pass bills... and thankful that the supreme court upheld laws (roe vs wade, gay marriage) will be much harder for them to overturn than most people thing. Some times I forget about it... then I see the appointments to the cabinet and I start crying again. Ive spent a long time living in London. I left right before brexit happened. A lot of my friends were from other parts of Europe and like me foreign living in England. Right after the vote they all had new stories of harassment in light of the decision. Weather Trump plans to make good on all his plans or not the fact of his election has validated so many peoples horrible opinions who now think its ok to berate others for their sexual identities, gender identities, race, disabilities, and anything that makes them a minority of any kind. But if there is one other thing I've learned, is that moving to another country solves nothing. If anything it leaves fewer people in your home country to fight for whats right. I cant blame those who do have serious fears for their well being in light of all this deciding to move, but the rest of us need to stand and fight. And I mean, the rest of the world isnt much better. To those that want to escape the US to avoid Trump, may I introduce you to the Thatcher 2.0 they recently made prime minister (though she's not nearly as bad as him, man everything feels like the 80s again.) dont like the Tea Party? Oh youre going to love Ukip. Far right, racists, sexists, and horrible people of all stripes are in every country. America is not special in its radical right wing christians. We just have more because our population is bigger, we have a lot of rural areas, and some one once decided it was a good idea to hand Sarah Palin a microphone. We will get through this. This will be a long four years of fighting, but I do plan to fight every step along the way. I was already in the middle of my move to Japan (for work) before this happened, and I plan to keep writing letters, showing my support, and letting my voice be heard as an American from even that far away.

Nothing was more chilling than watching the election from overseas as a military member. As a military member who has suffered from sexual harassment and assault. Knowing a man who has no respect for my sisters and brothers in every branch, knowing that he has said we should expect sexual harassment and assault. The fact that Trans Military members has just been accepted, but he has the capability to backward slide. To pull sisters and brothers from my side for something as frivolous as whom they choose to love. Knowing that I have to salute this man. That when he takes office, I must bite my tongue and wait. And wait overseas, at that. So distant from home, impotent with the exception of enforcing policies and hoping that the top brass do not follow his example. That his example does not trickle down, or come up from new people joining. We will get through this. How unscathed is yet to be seen.

Meg Scrabble

The night of the election I found myself sobbing and looking for game companies to work for abroad (gay white dude, actually a senior at USC in the film school). Since I'm still white and pretty well off financially, I'm not going to be as directly targeted (unless Pence takes the presidency), but I still have so many people in my life I'm worried about, from my aunt who works in women's health to ex-bfs/best friends who are 1st and 2nd generation Mexican immigrants. I know that living in LA will be easier for me than living most anywhere else in the nation, but I still have my moments where it hits me that Trump and Pence and co. are taking power and i just get depressed again. I didn't expect my senior thesis on the AIDS crisis to be so timely, that's for sure (especially since that's now my go to historical argument whenever people say stuff like "when has protesting solved anything?"). In a terrible way, it's almost inspired me to go even further with my thesis project than before, given Pence's record with HIV funding. Thanksgiving will be hard this year, given that I have one cousin in particular who voted for Trump and who has never been much of a sportsmanlike winner, so I'm gonna be on high alert to keep things orderly at least during the meal, for the sake of my mom. I won't start anything, but I can't say I won't finish anything. Anyways, I can't thank you enough for having this space, Lindsay. I just need somewhere to vent about it without having to worry about the usual bullshit that comes with facebook and instagram and such. I've been re-watching your videos for comfort recently (because of course all this political madness had to happen at the tail end of a particularly hectic fall semester), and I'm glad that you won't be silent.

Brady Thomas

I've had to force myself to be very selfish to cope at times. By that I mean that I am a straight white male with an ok income living in an extremely blue state (California where we went 2:1 for Hillary). Trump's policies won't hurt me directly for the most part and I may even benefit some from things like tax reform. Don't get me wrong, I am furious at his election and I'm genuinely fearful of what this means for those not in as privileged position as me. Even tax reform which may benefit me I'll be against because it will hurt more people than it helps. All I'm saying is that to make it through the day I have to allow myself to recognize my own life is less likely to go to shit than for some other people (assuming he doesn't start a war), so I can't feel sorry for myself. This will allow me to keep the sanity I need to get active once a clear agenda and way forward starts taking shape. Right now it is mostly just a lot of understandable but directionless anger and lashing out taking place. What's done is done and Trump voters won't be ready to change their minds until he is actually in power and starts doing things that genuinely hurt the economy and country as a whole. Only then can we nicely say "I told you so" in a welcoming way that can win these people back.

Kyle Williams

As someone who is Canadian and lives in Canada, I'm really sorry this is happening in the US. I can't imagine how any minority groups are feeling with such people coming into power, it really must be scary. I'm here if anyone needs an ear to listen or to just talk. Remember to try and take care of yourself in any way possible. Maybe read a comfy and familiar book or watch a favourite movie. Little moments of quiet are so important for yourself. &lt;3

Being a liberal living in Seattle, one of the most liberal places in the country, I get the feeling that things are not going to change too much in my area. What scares me is what's happening to the nation as a whole. Liberals, admittedly, have kind of fallen into a trap of associating Republicans with racism and bigotry. And although this is certainly going to be an issue what with Trump's VP and cabinet choices, it needs to stop. The internet has just become a place full of bile and hate, from both sides. Yes, I have serious problems with the things Trump wants to do (I should, I'm gay), but even the most liberal of us need to realize that not all Trump supporters are racists, and we need to accept that this is going to be the reality for the next four years. We need to come together and hold out hope. It's the most important thing right now.

Max Laycock

Big hugs for you, Lindsay. I'm a SAHM with four kids living in Seattle, and a freelance writer. I didn't sleep for 72 hours after Election Day. I haven't written anything since then -- okay, one measly book review, but that's it. Right now I'm trying to do anything to get myself to think about something besides the 45th president, and it's difficult. I have a friend who set an alarm on her phone to go off once a week, reminding her "This is Not Normal." We joked that I need the opposite alarm -- "Okay, Let's Think About Something Else Right Now." I thought things were getting better, but I woke up again at 3:45 a.m. this morning, scared out of my mind that we will go to war, that my children will be drafted, including my daughters. Anything goes. Your videos have been a nice distraction, Lindsay -- my friend and I watched your "Joel Schumacher's Phantom" on Election night, trying to do anything to stop us from obsessively watching the states on the electoral map blink from blue to pink. Every few minutes, one of us would curl up and shudder, and the other would say, "You remembered, didn't you?" Yes, we remember. This was as traumatizing an event for me as 9/11, except the threat didn't come from foreign extremists but our friends, neighbors, and countrymen. I don't know what to make of that yet.

So I was going to shout into the void, but I decided against that. It's always less cathartic than I remember, because anxiety makes me doubt my own narrative. Anyway, I really respect the decision to go back to school, and not in the patronizing sense. I'm gonna do that soul searching now.

Never forget that you're the majority. Maybe America's (I'm British) kind of weird electoral system cost you victory. Maybe Trump's president, but he didn't win.

FBH

I guess the full emotional impact didn't hit me until a few days later, when I thought about Medicare - that shook me hard, thinking about a foundational keystone and gem of the American safety net potentially being carved up and sold off, and how difficult it would be to put it back together later on. I was pretty confused and shocked, though, when it happened. It was just so out there. There's a tiny bit of comfort in knowing that he's likely to be more Berlusconi than Mussolini, he clearly doesn't want that much to do with the job besides ego-boosting and self-enrichment (he didn't even want to move to the White House full-time), and it can be changed in four years. I hope.

Brett

I am hoping that the Federal Government systems can withstand this much raw crazy. Trump's rhetoric is a reflection of a non-trivial number of voters. It is going to be a rough ride. I am wondering if I will have to hide people in my basement. Best of luck on your return to school!

Mister CPU

Was thinking about the comments in your 9/11 video, and the way that liberal America is really undergoing something unprecedented that is nothing if not collective trauma. Walking around NYC has been bleak these past weeks. Everybody is upset, and every day I catch conversations about it, and how hopeless everything is. It's been tough on the inside, sure, but the external change in the environment that I live and work in has been staggering. Despondency and fear are everywhere. 4 years of this.

2016 has already been challenging for me, my long term relationship fell apart in March and while I was working a really really wonderful and rewarding job, I was working for a boss who was verbally abusive, prone to gas lighting me, and paid me shit. I feel like when we are at our weakest, we need to show the most strength and this month I put my foot down and said I was leaving my job. I found a new job that looks very promising and I've been meeting a lot of fantastic people this year who have become good friends and allies. So that's my new goal, keep fighting. And from your video, it sounds like you're doing the same thing too. Welcome back to LA! The mass transit has gotten a lot better since you were last here, and if you need recs on good bars with pub trivia, or just want to meet new people, you're a rad lady and it would be fantastic to meet you in person. Good luck on your new endvores!

Emma Bowers

I was devistated when Bush won the re-election and as a California native, I was devisted when Prop 8 past. This time around I was not devistated so much as shocked and enraged, but I felt the strong resolve to fight. I live in LA, so there's a lot of what I'll just call "bubble privlage", but I still am doing my best to try to be active by doing things such as calling my represenative (for anyone reading this you live in a blue state DO THIS. it takes you five minutes and the dems need to be FIGHTING).

Emma Bowers

I'm more in a state of confusion than terror. On one hand, all my friends at school are freaking out since a lot are LGBT, POC, or both, and I can't really blame them (I'm LGBT too). On the other hand, I have my family, who all voted for Trump because they're just more conservative, even though they hated him (they hated him less than Hilary). Going back and forth between the two extremes is kind...annoying right now. I don't know. I guess the terror part will hit me later on if it hits me at all.

Bonsha

I am not american so I'll just read the comments and tell you guys that we are sorry and we love you. Also, at the moment I am very happy to hear you are going to get that degree.

Save

I'm a trans guy and I'm horrified. My rights are almost guaranteed to be gone come January 1st. I'm emotionally exhausted.

I'm neither American nor in the USA... politics in Spain revolve around how territories are privileged or not compared to the neighbours, and although the economy is getting better it's still a difficult situation for a lot of people. Can't say yet how the US election will affect here, aside from politicians making comparisons in their own interest, but I suspect that Brexit will have a bigger impact once it's completed.<br>As for everything else I guess I'm just fine... I can say I never finished my degree back in the day, and one of these years I suppose I'll make a decision about it one way or the other but who knows.<br>Oh hey, &gt;br&gt; works

Rodrigo V. Perez

This post got a bit longer than I intended (and how do I make decent paragraphs here, so that it at least is easier to read?): I started university in Sweden this fall and a fellow student and new friend invited a group that I have been hanging with to watch the election. We bought booze, we tried to make it a bit American themed (I bought a fabulous blue glitter hat) but we didn't spend a lot of money on it. I was a bit nervous, only the polls were able to calm me down. Then it started going downhill, maybe it went downhill faster for us because we didn't know much about the electoral college. At about 6 in the morning the first buses started driving again so I left with a friend who had to go in the same direction. I kept looking at my phone to see new results on states. I had promised myself to not go fully to sleep before I knew the results because I knew that I couldn't handle waking up to these bad news. When I found out I couldn't sleep for some hours. I kept going through social media to find out more. One of the first times I was able to cry was when I watched Hillary's concession speech. It's beautiful and I'm tearing up a bit as I think about it. I didn't have any classes for the whole week, so I really let myself go. I mostly stayed in bed and I read a lot of articles and social media posts. When I talked with my parents over skype I was disappointed by how fast they had turned 180 degrees and just decided to believe to give HIM a chance. When I told my friends they were shocked, because my parents live in Germany of all places. Just like I had to learn in school that Hitler was enabled by the political system my parents probably had learned it through the media, I mean they consider themselves bookworms. They dismissed all my worries about women and minorities in the USA. (They do that with other stuff too though.) At least they are taking the spreading nationalism in Europe more seriously. Reading articles and social media posts definitely helped me coming to terms with what had happened. I retweeted/reblogged in the hope that it somehow spreads the word even though I don't have many followers. I also donated to an organization. I'm considering getting more politically active in Sweden. I know more about German politics but I never became a citizen and now I probably won't be returning for a while except to visit my family. Or ever. Sweden is not perfect at all (e.g.: Sverigedemokraterna, a far-right party with nazi or general racist scandals that just keep being brushed under the carpet have 14% of the seats in parliament since the election in 2014. That makes them the third biggest party in parliament), and maybe the people at university just happen to be more left but it's a breath of fresh air, when I'm not the only one who cares about social justice all the time. I don't know whether I want to get involved in a specific issue or if I want to join a party, I will make time to think about it some more. Routine helps. When I finally had a class again I met friends and apparently I wasn't the only one who had had a low point. Time helps. Not being American/a US-citizen/living in the US helps. Living in a part of the world were the US foreign politics probably won't kill me helps (and no that doesn't mean Europe, think about Ukraine and all of Russia's neighbors). What makes me very afraid is that if America can't stop Trump e.g. making Muslim Americans register and deporting Mexicans then who is going to stop him? Who is going to stop him if he goes further? Who can take the role of the war-turning US to Hitler's Trump?

Gil

I'm not gonna talk about how recent events in the US have effected me, because they, well, haven't, since I'm not american (my heart goes out to you all eaglelanders). But I want to say that I've been thinking about an education in graphic design available in my area that a childhood aquaintance of mine started going to this year. And your announcement, Lindsay, about you going back to school to finish your education, inspired me and sparks my interest again. Thanks! :D

I have been coping by video games and focus on my work. This is the time where we do have to organize and start donatin to causes to help them stop the policies of trump. Donate to planned parenthood, the ACLU, gay rights organizations, etc. Rebellions are built on hope

Also, listening to Sex Pistol and The Ramones to counter conservative talk radio help.

Bardcraft

How I've been coping... I don't know. Well, I've been continue living and making jokes about Drumpf. At the same time reading Hitchhiker Guide and playing Balder's Gate. Then I am almost dead inside. At my work. The guy next door of me listen to Rush Limbaugh and he pissed me off. I going to school and continue my life. Watched Children of Men and Bollywood.

Bardcraft

I'm mainly curious about how committed Trump is with his visceral agenda as promoted in his campaign. I hope Pence continues the tradition of VP's not really having much influence on public life. It is great to hear about you continuing your higher education as I was not aware that you dropped out. I've considered going for a Masters as well. You're an inspiration to all.

Callen

I miss Chez a lot. I know it only existed because of a lot of work on your part and the part of the other contributors. If you ever do a community site back up I'd take on mod duties and maybe spare you reading some of that crap. I'm happy to lend what little support I have to give while you get your degree, honestly. (I hate how the Patreon comment section just posts my comment every time I hit enter to create a paragraph.) I threw a temper tantrum at a libertarian friend of mine Saturday night because he keeps denying that there's been any significant uptick in abuse towards minorities and women. He did this during Gamergate too. He doesn't use Twitter but he's always been happy to lecture me about what's going on on it. He lectures me a lot. Up until election night he was lecturing me on how Clinton was going to win (I had a sinking feeling it was going to be Trump simply based on the people who live all around me and look which one of us turned out to be right) and every day since the election it's been a lecture on how Trump's victory was inevitable and how much he knows about how the white working class has been wronged. Sigh. Saturday it was a lecture on how rude the cast of Hamilton are. Just the same, flipping out on him and throwing my phone across the room was not a well reasoned response and I don't actually want to stop being friends with a guy who I've been close to since high school because of political differences, not now of all times. So tonight I've got to start calling and see if he'll accept an apology. Wish me luck.

De

First off, thank you so much for posting this. I feel like every time I've been online recently I've only losing respect for creators and communities that used to be very invested in, so it's reassuring to see examples of empathy and understanding again. I was busy moving apartments the night of the election so it didn't fully hit me until that weekend after. It's been hard and I don't remember the last time I felt so powerless; I've mostly been coping by laying down on the floor with my dog tbh. Also, since I'm a dual citizen, now it's time to start preparing the French presidential election and hope it doesn't crash and burn in turn (at least Sarkozy is out?). Good luck with your masters!!

Sophie S.

This has been a horrible and difficult year. My daughter (19 years old) has been battling leukemia since March and in June I became her bone marrow donor. The one saving grace is that it's given me an extra zone of mental distance from the social and political insanity of this year all the way up to the election, which I watched with drinks in hand and disbelief that gut instinct and polls and professional analysis were all completely wrong. Last night it really hit me because my bad-ass cancer-surviving daughter was sobbing when I walked through the door, sad because she saw pictures of children victimized by the Syrian civil war., some as young as her baby brother. So pretty much fuck 2016. The future has some scary stuff, and I don't blame anyone with serious tunnel vision over how bleak the future looks. But I do believe the pendulum swings both ways and we should do our best to push it along. Hang in there Lindsay and fellow patrons. I have seen what things can be overcome this past year with my own eyes.

Jamie Chambers

So - I'm doing what I can to cope and get by. And I'll offer my web design, graphic design, and WordPress experience if it helps get Chez Apocalypse back online. I've been doing all three for many years, and would love to help get Chez back online. Chez has provided so many amazing new voices, and all of us would love to see that community come back together. :)

Its been shitty. I've been talking down people I know who are having more extreme reactions outwardly but when they go away I feel just as angry. I've gotten more involved in a local climate change advocacy group which has been a positive way to channel that energy. I hope you feel better Lindsay! Where in CA are you going to school?

Barry Donnelly

I was out of the country in Canada on election night for a friend's wedding, and at about midnight (11 EST) we all just had to ...s top and really think about what was happening. We had tried to be optimistic when the first results came in earlier, but even then, we heard Canadians getting worried, one dude in a coffeeshop outright saying "Trump is currently winning so I'm going to do whatever I want, that means it's our last night on this earth." Two of us up at this group gathering were American and all of us there were LGBT, and it was just stunning. It really just took all the energy right out of us. Killed what was left of the night. We'd been planning to play another game before we all split to hit the sack, but what was there to do? At that point it was pretty much done. We went our separate ways for the night, but even then, several of us just got online to talk out our feelings there, as we couldn't sleep. I don't think I got to bed until 4 in the morning, and a friend was up until at least 6 or 7. It's a scary time. It's going to be a difficult 4-8 years (and god forbid it's 8). It's a bit of a time of upheaval for me, as well, though I don't know if your own was spurred quite as much as mine was -- this Christmas I'm going to be coming out to my family, if only in an attempt to make what's going to be happening the next few years more personal to them, to remind them that people being hurt by what's happening have a name and a face. And I'm seriously looking into getting more involved with protests and politics in my area, where I've always been a bit of a bystander before. I don't know if I'll make a difference, but I want to try. Good luck to you on your degree. I'm not paying much, but I will keep paying, and I'll look forward to seeing whatever you do next. Glad to hear that more video essay type stuff is on the way; it's my favorite of your pieces. I'm really glad to hear you're going to continue making what you're making. We need voices like yours to keep speaking out in times like this.

Stormbourne

I've been in a weird holding pattern of trying to figure out what my white, upper-middle class heterosexual family dynamic can do to contribute in ways that will actually be useful in the years to come and, honestly, I am not 100% sure exactly how we'll be able to put in our part. For now, I'm keeping an eye out for any action we can take outside of the norm. There are usually BLM protests around Black Friday in our area that we're planning on bringing our kids to and showing them what that movement is and how people speak out to try and affect change and change minds. I'm going to be as informed as I can be about local, state, and federal elections between now and 2020, and to spread that info to my small circle of influence. (Family and Friends, mostly.) Getting over my fear of calling people on the phone and calling all my representatives to tell them to fight against everything he's doing and that we've got their backs.

Thank you for this, Lindsay. This was the first election I'd taken really seriously (I'm seventeen), and I put so much hope in Hillary's campaign I barely remembered to be afraid until it ended. I know this is far from the worst thing that got set in motion on November 8, but just on a personal level I had no idea what to do or how to feel; for over a year there was this one thing that simply COULD NOT happen, and then it did. From your Twitter I know you took it even harder than I did, and I get a little comfort from your message here. Thank you.

Hi from France! It might seem far from you guys but we truly deeply feel you. We know our turn is going to come next year and we are still shaken up by Brexit and what happened in the United states. But we will go through this together, I'm sure. Thanks for being a safe place in the mean time. Linsday: I've been watching your videos from across the ocean for quite a while now (4 years maybe?). Thank you for what you've done and still doing and good luck with your degree. We need people like you! (I'm currently reading Awoken and it's the best thing ever, has been a highlight during these dark days). Sorry - as a French living in Germany my English is kinda rusty but &lt;3

Laura TRT

As a queer Belgian guy who was (and still sort of is) thinking of moving to the US for my job, I'm pretty terrified. But it's not just the Donald, unfortunately: it's the rise of fascist sentiment all throughout the Western world. It's the people in my family and close friends who, while outwardly rejecting the Donald, also embrace all the rhetorics that were used to make his campaign work. All that kind of stuff. It's not feeling well. The amount of sighing in this video felt about right, basically. For what it's worth, I hope your master goes over well, Lindsay! Do you only have a semester left to go through then, or do you have to retake some things? (I don't know how American colleges work ^^') (Nice shirt, by the way, very à propos)

TalysAlankil

Hey, I'm a foreigner so maybe I shouldn't even be commenting here, but I just wanted to say this unhelpful thing I feel I need to say: Save your terror for later, guys. Really, I know what's happening is terrifying, but there's 4 (or very likely 8) more years of this shit in front of you guys, so please try, just try to stay cool. By staying cool I of course don't mean don't take action. Take a lot of action, in any way you can, but don't let those things personally hit you emotionally. I live in Poland and in here a very similar thing happened: a formerly popular party became detached from its constituency (in terms of both the rhetoric and economic policies), so poor and uneducated people switched over to a populist far right quasi-authoritarian party. You can read about how they have basically gagged the Supreme Court, how they have taken over the hugely influential public media, about how they have tried to ban abortion completely (yes, that includes fetuses without heads). The thing is, the other parties did not learn from this. At first the center-left people were outraged, there were marches and public action, but it was so intense that in lack of a clear leader who could rival the populism of the far right, those movements quickly burnt out, simple as that. People simply became too depressed and discouraged with reality to keep on protesting. And the governing party's ratings are as high as ever now. The leftist parties all have been trying to hijack the right wing rhetoric (by using allusions to nationalism etc.) instead of focusing on the reasons why people voted the way they voted, which were mostly economical. So my point is this: I know this is bad, extremely bad, but please try to keep yourself from panicking. Be like a pilot on a falling plane, try to keep yourself from yelling FFFFFUUUUUUUUCCCCCKK THISSS SHIIIT and starting to cry, because that's when they will win.

Oh my god, I can't believe I almost forgot! Good luck on finishing your master's, Lindsay!!

Luninareph

Election night was brutal. Had a solid 7 or 8 drinks in a few hours and the shock made it so that I couldn't even feel drunk from it. I went home numb and vacuumed the rug... My partner's an amazing woman from Detroit who is queer and disabled, and we moved to Vancouver a couple years back. Having the distance makes us feel a little bit safer, but it also makes us feel worse for not being able to be there for those who are more vulnerable. The first week after the results was enormously depressing. Woke up for the first time ever (twice), confused and genuinely wondering/hoping that it was a dream. I'm now feeling somewhat less grim about things, and part of what's helping is the book The End Of Protest by Micah White. He's one of the co-creators of Occupy Wall Street and is a kind of revolutionary strategist in a way. The premise is that traditional protest is broken because the powers that be are able to ignore marches and petitions, and that we need to continually invent new ways to achieve revolution. It provides a certain kind of grim glimmer of hope and possibility for me.

Occam's Blazer

I live in Canada currently, and the election has hit us pretty bad as well. Obviously not as bad, but everything the USA does affects us. We're terrified of what our government is going to be able to get away with. All the pipelines Trudeau has still not made a statement on, the missing aboriginal women the police departments are still not looking into, the government turning away aboriginal leaders, and so many other broken promises. We're terrified because we all have friends and family in the states and we're watching them suffer. My friend who's transgendered has not been able to leave her house because of her panic attacks. I feel so disheartened and as much as i appreciate people trying to be optimistic, its hard to be when you work for an american call centre, and have to talk to hundreds of Americans who assume I'm white and on their side because I don't have an accent.

I'm not an american but I'm kinda loosing faith in humanity right now.... Like this return to fascism is kinda of a pandemic worldwide but that man baby is probably the worst of the lot I hope you guys will hang on and that some good will come out of this but who the fuck knows anymore. and good luck with your masters Lindsay hope it will be a fulfilling time.

Nir revel

To be completely honest, as a white, cis, male liberal American -- I am terrified. I've watched my country devolve as both media and politicians are gradually normalizing what should, by most logical accounts, not be accepted. As somebody who has tried to keep on the up-and-up of recent politics leading up to the election, I've been on "outrage mode" for the last two weeks. It's hard to remain optimistic when even those who you consider to ally with on the spectrum are even now humoring anti-identity politics in wake of November 8th. I probably speak for too many when I say I believed we, as society, were collectively better than this. Not so, it would seem -- and I fear it's only gonna get worse...

i've been trying to focus on school (hello finals) so life is pretty normal in that sense but any time i click onto social media or read the news it's like oh hey the country is exploding kinda.... and i'm just trying to finish this essay so... pretty weird!

Nana G

You're an inspiration :)

Luninareph

You and your husband have my very best wishes. I really hope everything goes well for you both.

Luninareph

Coping isn't something I'm very good at, but I've been focusing on the large community of support I have from my friends and the LGBT community. It's not going to be an easy four years, but I am very fortunate living in a liberal state with people who support me. And I know that I as well as millions across the country are not going to take this sitting down. Focusing on love and hope has been much more effective than tears (though I have cried more in the past few weeks than in the rest of my life combined, oops). It also helps knowing that there are safe spaces such as here which are so accepting and intelligent, it keeps me optimistic. Thank you for creating such a lovely community, and good luck on your masters Lindsay!

sarahserif

Also, I might add, thank you Lindsay for keeping on doing what you do, even during this hard times and also considering you are going back to be a student. Thank you for being your usual informative and smart self, and especially for making people laugh, 'cause nobody is truly broken if they still have the ability to laugh.

Jubei

Keep teaching about science and logic. So much of how Trump won stems from a distrust or misunderstanding of math and established science. It will be key to keeping the future bright.

Bobby Bobby

Dogs are wonderful. I don't know what your situation is, but my dogs and I appreciate you.

Luninareph

I have been sitting at my desk at work crying for the last hour. I am scared and overwhelmed. I have been quiet enough none of my coworkers noticed at least. I am going to go home and pet my dog in an hour.

I am Not Great, but I have to be because I need to convince people to advocate for science for my job. But I'm scared and tired and devastated, but need to keep working because if we don't fight then who will?

First, thanks for posting this. It is appreciated. I'm terrified .... I have a four year old son and I'm so scared that this is the world and the country he lives in. I was sick to my stomach for a week. But, life goes on as you said. I'm just... scared. I'm trying to focus on raising my son so he isn't a product of the present hate.

Thanks for asking, hope you doing good too Not from America but actually still in shock he got in, more support to those who are still struggling with the news. Always find it's easier to make fun of it Good luck with going back to your masters, sending lots of support your way

Today is my 30th birthday. I feel kinda old now.

My big priorities are trying to keep my Middle Eastern friends as safe as possible and reminding myself that the entitled bigot in the White House right now has spent his entire life getting everything he wants and dodging responsibility for everything he does, and now he has put himself into a position where not only is everything going to be stonewalling him as hard as politics stonewalls everything else, he is now guaranteed to be held accountable for every decision that everybody around him makes, and he is going to HATE IT. It's the one silver lining I've found in this fiasco. Also, speaking as a gay male, I just want to say that I continue to look forward to your RENT review, possibly even moreso than before now that I really want to remember intelligent people exist in this country, and whenever it comes off the backburner, I will be watching it for weeks on end and dragging people over to see it with me the way I did with the Phantom of the Opera and Wicked Witch videos. Basically, your presence is a balm for my soul, keep being your snarky, hilarious, clever self. And that goes to anybody else reading this as well: don't let this disaster shut you up, no matter what.

Luninareph

Congrats on going to finish school. Best of luck to you! My instinct is to hide in my straight white male bubble and offer support to my friends and loved ones, but this constant discomfort inside me when I think about my son's future and what could happen the next 4 years leaves me antsy and wanting to do more. It feeds into a lot of other issues I've been having about life.

Bobby Bobby

My husband is a recent Muslim immigrant (as in, we're waiting for his work permit and green card, he's that new.) I'm terrified. And I hate having to explain to him how this could happen. I try to be optimistic, and tell myself that with the internet, people can't just be disappeared. But I'm so scared for him. I'm scared for my LGBTQ friends, I'm scared for my Hispanic friends, and I just wish I could see how this could happen in today's America. But, Lindsay, your videos keep me okay. I just listen to them (I'm at work so I can't really watch the videos) on repeat. I think I've watched every video (all of them, Nostalgia Chick, Loose Cannon, essays) over a dozen times. And they make me feel a bit distracted and are very comforting. And I appreciate people who are good and kind and want to do the right thing. So, yeah, not okay, but what else can we do but move on and fight everything that they try to do that hurts others?

Chandra

also I wish hitting enter didn't immediately post the comment dangit

Leland Goodman

Man, I've been living with this huge, heavy lump of... things in my chest and belly that makes it difficult to breathe properly since November the 9th, and I'm living on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean... so it must have been A LOT harder for you US people. Guess I'm empathizing a lot, which I also guess is a good thing... not just with LGBT people since I'm one myself, but with all those who are risking discrimination (well, even more discrimination). Hang in there, girls and guys. Big hugs from Italy.

Jubei

WE HAD THE APPLE PIE TOO! IT WAS FROM COSTCO

Lindsay Ellis

Uneaten apple pie at ours. Lord, god.

⭐️Galactic Pretty Boy, Tommy⭐️

ugh, we did the saaaaaame thing. had a party and everything. It quickly turned into a funeral. Then there was drunk, then there was only uneaten quiche...

Lindsay Ellis

What's especially awful is that Donald Trump acts a LOT like my horribly abusive father did in public, except Trump never had a military career. There are rumors that Trump beat his son, even in public, and I believe they are more than just rumors. My father was a white supremacist, he believed in death camps and ovens, and he psychologically tortured me and sexually abused me, and basically my life is one long episode of being triggered forever (because of course I have complex PTSD from my father trying repeatedly to commit murder and my mother tossing me to the wolves to protect herself from his wrath).

Hey Zoey. know there are lots of Christians out there that support you. Self included. When I pray for LGBT people it's not to change you, but to change how others treat you and that you find happiness.

Bobby Bobby

I'm doing alright. It was a whole lot of despair at first. Election night was so, so tough. I'd been listening to Keeping it 1600, watching CNN, has my eyes on the polls and the pundits. They had me and my friends thinking that this was in the bag. We decided to have a little party and watch the results roll in. It was a lot like that SNL Skit they just did, actually. Only I was pacing and sweating in the kitchen while everyone else was optimistic. Then she lost. And it's just been one terrible story after another. I'm trying to stay positive and look towards the future though. I'm thinking about getting more involved in politics too. I think I might have a talent for it. Not that anybody has a talent for stopping fascism but...y'know, we all gotta start somewhere.

⭐️Galactic Pretty Boy, Tommy⭐️

Thank you for this Lindsay. I'm not doing so well. I live in the UK (and trying to remind people that Tories are v bad) so I feel helpless and afraid for my American friends. I'm making a punk jacket with my partner though, with patches like "eat a fascist", and "ruining Pence's life" will happen very soon, because I'm disabled and can't protest and I just need a way to show people please don't forget this. [/ramble]

Thanks for posting this!

Toryana Frazier

I don't really like to externalize my anxieties so I try and stay positive when I'm interacting with people but in order to stay positive I kind of have to ignore the fact that the world is on fire which makes me feel guilty that I'm actively trying to avoid reality because staying ignorant doesn't change the world for the better. I feel like I'm feeling every emotion and it's exhausting. Thank you for your videos Lindsay, they have actively changed my life for the better... I really can't state that enough.

Leland Goodman

Hey you're amazing and I'm glad you're moving forward on what you want in life. Thank you so much for your work.

Between the people who are cheering the resurgence of white america against "other america" and discussing revising the First Amendment to outlaw free speech for commercial enterprises like musicals on Broadway, and the people who are saying, "I'm not saying we should give fascism a chance, per se, just, it's better than fighting against the system" I have like zero tolerance for social media or, indeed, pretty much most of my social circle.

Trans girl here. I should be focusing on school work, and all I can think about is how potentially screwed us LGBT folk can survive this new Christian Fascist Police State. I think things won't get to awful, but I'm not looking forward to the next 4 years. Or this Accounting Final DX Thanks for this video, gives me some motivation. You're awesome, Lindsay!!

linda,Linda!

Thanks for asking. How are you doing? Personally, inside I'm not well. Outwardly, I'm trying to work on a big comic project, stretching myself by writing a comic that's more or less in operatic form. Kinda sorta. Creation has to be at least part of the answer in the face of what may happen. My best to you and thanks again.

Mike Luce