Laura Fortune

Because we can’t choose an abuser over a woman. Again.

In 2016, we had a chance to elect our first female president. Instead, we elected a man who abused women and wanted to restrict their reproductive freedom.

Even after the years of shame I had faced as a woman—growing up in a family that revered men’s experiences and perspectives, and believed women talked too much and can’t drive—I did not expect the shame and hurt that followed that election outcome. It was a slap in the face. It was salt in a deep and festering wound.

I had hoped, for the first time, to see myself represented by the leader of our country—as did other women and young girls—and that hope was mocked.

I remember standing at the bus station that morning, before sunrise, looking at everyone, thinking, “Did you do this? Is this what you wanted?” I was confused and crushed—both the eight-year-old girl inside of me and the broken, hopeful thirty-two-year-old woman I had become. Even in a presidential election, we had trusted, supported, and chosen an abuser over women.

There seemed to be no hope for justice.

But in 2020, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris supported women and other people who Trump bullied and undermined. They won the election. But it was too close for comfort. It’s still too close.

Choose Kamala Harris in this 2024 election, to fight for us—all of us. She stands for the people—not just for herself—and takes on bullies unwaveringly. She’s done it her entire professional life. Elect Kamala as our next president, and let her show the people of this country that women are smart. We are strong. We are human. We deserve our voices to be heard, raised up loud and clear by our leaders, and trusted.

I begin fertility treatments this month, and I pray I never have a miscarriage or need an abortion. If I do, I know Kamala will fight for the care I need.

Only a true leader would.

Only a true leader would see me at all.

Laura Fortune is a student of writing focused on human connection.