Empower Yourself

Empower Yourself

November 25, 2024

Now that Trump has been elected and is appointing a cabinet full of misogynistic extremists, women should expect that their rights will continue to be infringed. This is getting serious. It's time to get our heads in the game and pay attention. Here are some things women should strongly consider doing.

1. Prioritize your well-being. Do not despair, you are strong. Get enough rest and stay physically fit. Keep a balanced approach to diet and alcohol. Prioritize your self-care.

2. Pursue Education and FInancial Independence. Strive to achieve the highest level of education and financial independence you possibly can. It is essential that you are able to support yourself confidently.

3. Screen Potential Acquaintances. In our current political climate, alignment is an essential factor for functioning relationships. Do not invest any time or energy cultivating a romantic relationship with a Trump supporter. You may want to consider this strategy with platonic relationships as well. Be proud of your political values and seek partners who respect your values and rights. This must be stated: DO NOT HAVE INTIMATE RELATIONS WITH TRUMP SUPPORTERS.

4. Evaluate Existing Relationships. If you are not married or legally committed, consider where you see the relationship going. Ask yourself, is it time to move on. If you are married you have my deepest sympathy. Get a legal consult on your options. If it is an abusive or unhappy relationship, leave. Have a financial nest egg available in case of an emergency.

5. Consider Where You Live. If you live in a Blue state, great. If you live in a Red state, explore your options for relocating. Why continue to live in a state where you have fewer medical rights?

6. Think About Your Health and Safety. Understand that Red States with strict abortion bans are dangerous places for women in their reproductive years. In the state of Texas, maternal mortality has increased by 56% since Texas enacted its six-week abortion ban. If you experience a complication of pregnancy in a state with a strict abortion ban, state law limits the ability of doctors and hospitals to deliver the care to pregnant women. Bottom line, pregnant women in Red States have fewer rights compared to those who reside in Blue States.

7. Know Your Legal Rights. Particularly if you are married to a Trump Supporter or are in a long term relationship with one. Knowledge is an essential tool for safeguarding your autonomy. Project 2025 wants to do away with "no-fault" divorce which has been on the radical right's wish list for many years. https://www.mediamatters.org/project-2025/project-2025-partners-want-make-divorce-lot-harder

8. Learn How to Defend Yourself. Consider learning self-defense training and/or martial arts. Familiarize yourself with firearms if it is in your comfort zone. The legal system has never been serious about protecting women from rape, abuse and other forms of violence. With a rapist newly elected as POTUS and two sexual predators on the SCOTUS the situation is not likely to change and could possibly get worse. Stay focused on promoting personal security and confidence.

9. Stay Politically Active. Join like-minded communities, volunteer or participate in advocacy efforts. This can help you find support, cultivate meaningful friendships and strengthen your spirit.

10. Manage your Technology wisely. Do not use period apps, law enforcement in Red States can subpeona them. Becareful what you communicate digitally and on social media. Sounds draconian but Red States have subpeoned digital correspondence in efforts to prosecute women.

     Prioritize Your Well-being :  You are strong, do not despair. Stay physically fit, get enough rest, keep a balanced approach to diet and alcohol consumption. Mental and physical wellness are essential to navigating challenging

Now that Trump has been elected, women should anticipate that our rights and opportunities as women will continue to be infringed.  It’s time for us to get our heads in the game and pay attention.  Trump says he’ll protect you whether we like it or not. I prefer to protect myself. Here are 10 things to consider doing..  

1.  Prioritize Your Well-being :  You are strong, do not despair. Stay physically fit, get enough rest, keep a balanced approach to diet and alcohol consumption. Mental and physical wellness are essential to navigating challenging times.

2. Pursue Education and Financial Independence:  Strive to achieve the highest level of education and financial independence you possibly can.  It is essential to be able to support yourself confidently.

3. Screen Potential Acquintance:  In our current political climate, alignment is a necessary factor in relationships. Do not invest any time or energy cultivating a romantic attachment to Trump supporters.  If you use dating apps, specify your preferences to avoid political incompatibility.  Be proud of your political values and seek partners who respect your autonomy and rights.  Do not have intimate relations with people who support Trump. In addition to being more thoughtful, liberals are smarter and sexier.

3. Evaluate Existing Relationships:  If you’re dating or engaged to someone who supports Trump, consider whether you want to continue to invest in the relationship. If married to a Trump supporter, you have my deepest sympathies. Familiarize yourself with Project 2025 and stay informed on any policies that could impact your independence. Make sure you have a financial nest egg set aside and have an exit strategy in place.

4. Consider Where You Live: If you live in a blue state, great, stay there. Do not relocate to a red state for any reason even if it is for a job, education, family or partner. If they love you, they will understand. If a job recruiter contacts you about a position in a red state, decline and clearly explain your reasons. If you currently live in a red state and are unable to move, consider creating a plan for relocation in the future.

5. Think About Health and Safety:  Keep in mind, Red States are dangerous places for pregnant women.  If there is any possibility you might be pregnant, be cautious when traveling to or through red states.  Healthcare restrictions in states with abortion bans can be a fatal concern for pregnant women. If you are pregnant and residing in a red state, consider your options for relocation. Pregnancy complications are not uncommon and women have died in red states because they have been denied medical care.

6.  Ensure Access to Reproductive Healthcare:  Maintain a stock of birth control and emergency contraception, including mifepristone, as access to these medications may change. Trump could easily appoint someone to head the FDA who would outlaw all these medications. Be prepared for yourself, friends, or loved ones.

7.  Know Your Legal Right: Especially if you’re married or in a relationship with a Trump supporter. Knowledge is a key tool in safeguarding your autonomy. Project 2025 and staunch conservatives want to do away with no-fault divorce.

8.  Learn Self-Defense: Consider self-defense training, martial arts, or familiarizing yourself with firearms if it aligns with your comfort level. The legal system has never been serious about protecting women from rape, abuse and other forms of violence.  With a rapist in the White House and two sexual predators on the Supreme Court, things will not get better and could easily get worse.  Stay focused on promoting personal security and confidence.

9.  Stay Politically Active: Join like-minded communities, volunteer, or participate in advocacy efforts.  This can help you find support, cultivate meaningful friendships, and strengthen your spirit.

10.  Keep an up to date passport.