I have stood silently, watching the country unravel at the idea of Donald Trump being the President. My social media is littered with articles, commenting on Trump’s latest tweet or Ivanka’s clothing line, or Melania’s parenting choices. The #notmyPresident has been trending on my feed accompanied by enraged comments about his too-tan skin, or his hand gestures.

I could say a lot about the election, our country, and our new president, but instead, I would like to talk about those of you who have been filling up my feed with these types of posts.

I must ask the #lovewins and #LoveTrumpsHate hashtaggers, is this what love looks like?

You are trying to break down the doors, or wall, of hate that you feel has locked so many behind them, but what about your own jail? Is the idea of equal love not that all individuals, regardless of race, gender identification, sexuality, ethnicity, socio-economic standing, occupation, and age, should be loved equally?

Now, you might say, “No, you’ve missed the entire point. Everyone should have the opportunity to love in the way they choose without being discriminated against.” But when I do not show love and not hate, but disagreement with someone who is a part of Black Lives Matter, I am immediately marked as a racist. How is this allowing me equal opportunity to love in the way I choose to without being discriminated against?

If I say, I do not identify as a feminist, this means that I apparently do not believe in strong, independent, and equal women. Sexist. Misogynist.

Or if I say, I believe in every unborn childs’ right to life. Bigot.

Or if I say, we have an immigration issue that needs to be resolved. Fascist.

Or if I say, I believe the individual, not the government, should determine where their wealth goes. Greedy.

Is this what love looks like?

Regardless of if you like or dislike the outcome of the election, whether you identify with or disagree with the new president, your words and fight against him and his ideals are not his alone. You have created far greater distance in your “hate speech” than even he can. Who the president is or is not should not determine if you are a decent human being or not to your fellow human beings.

My flag has been burned, my religion has been taunted, and my beliefs have come under attack, all under the guise of equality and love, and I am told to sit down and take it. Understand if I did any of these things when Obama was elected, I would be forever branded with a scarlet letter.

I’ll tell you what so many have told me, practice what you preach. You want equality in all ways for all people? Then stop forgetting to include all people. You want justice upheld for all groups in the same manner? Then understand the consequences of violent and destructive protests. You believe that our system is broken? Put down your puff paint pens and signs and start a petition, go into law or politics, insight the love you so often quote rather than the hate that you’ve been spewing.

But, you say, “The President is making me do these things. His beliefs, etc. are horrendous, etc.” Grow up. Take responsibility for your actions. No one is holding a gun to your head. You are acting out of your own interest and beliefs, not because someone is making you do it.

If you are offended, I am not sorry. I have moved beyond offense to being truly disgusted that there are people in this country that don’t appreciate how incredible it is to even be able to legally speak their mind.

Do not claim to be a people of love when you have inflicted so much hurt on others simply because they are not like you. Sounds eerily similar to your anthem for justice.

I won’t claim to be making a case for love, or for love to win. I believe that hate is so rampant that we are lightyears away from a world that looks like love is more than a blip on the radar. I don’t believe in being politically correct, in fact, I believe strongly in being politically incorrect, but again, I am not the one encouraging panic and chaos.

Love has not won. It’s clear to see that it hasn’t. Look at our community, even at a granular level. We are divided, ready to take a knife to the throat of anyone who opposes us. This isn’t specific to parties, but to people. Love is so far gone that I’m not sure we even know what it looks like anymore. It doesn’t matter how different your beliefs are from mine, I will give you the respect I would any other stranger, I don’t think it’s a lot to ask for the same.