That fascist Cheeto has won again, I fear. I’m devastated, as I’m sure many of my readers are.

Over the past 24 hours, I've reflected deeply on my responsibility as someone who shares a small part of the internet with you. My first impulse was to immediately give you all resources, but I recognize that most of the time, people need the space to grieve, and being told what to do can feel insensitive. I get that.

Here on this Substack, we are a community rooted in the intersections of culture, inclusivity, and sharing, and so this election result matters deeply. Ashkelachian was born out of my heritage as a descendant of immigrants—my Russian Jewish family on one side, and my Irish Appalachian family on the other. Immigration isn’t just part of my personal history; it’s the soul of this nation and the foundation of Ashkelachian itself. This project exists to honor those who came before us, to share our stories, our resilience, and the beautiful complexity of who we are.

In moments like these, I feel my ancestors weeping. Their journeys and sacrifices built the life I’m privileged to have, and I won’t take that lightly. The Ashkelachian community is a space where we recognize that inclusivity, diversity, and unity aren’t optional—they’re essential. We hold each other up, we learn from one another, and we remember that we are stronger together.

In this difficult moment, I ask myself: who am I, and what have I stood for all my life? The answers keep me steady.

I’m a queer, Jewish, childless cat lady who has built her life around community and connection. I’m married to a sensitive, hard-working cis-het man who, on our very first date, told me he supported abortion rights.

I’ve stood as a greeter at Planned Parenthood, walking everyday people to their appointments while being screamed at by protestors. I’ve volunteered at homeless shelters, food pantries, distribution centers, and soup kitchens. I’ve unlearned so much, reshaping my beliefs and understanding to become a better ally, a better person, and to work toward a more just world. I’ve moved beyond just ‘trying hard’, I’ve gotten uncomfortable and I’ve fought for what’s right.

I’ve spoken out about my experiences with sexual assault—both publicly and privately. I’ve lived paycheck to paycheck. I’ve survived a natural disaster. I’ve launched a food brand rooted in my identity as a Jewish Appalachian. I’ve marched, I’ve protested, I’ve chanted.

I’ve fought, damn it, my whole life. I staged my first protest at 16, standing up against the Iraq war. In college, I skipped class to rally for abortion rights. My first job out of college was canvassing the streets of D.C., talking to strangers about gay rights and ending child poverty. The list goes on. I’ve never wavered in my commitment to justice, never backed down from the chance to fight for progress. I’m a tough-as-hell advocate, and I’ll defend those who need protection most.

So here’s my message to anyone, person or administration, who might try to silence me: fucking bring it on.

And to the rest of you, my Ashkelachian family—you’re safe with me. And together, we’ll make it through this. Take care of yourself and grieve as long as you need to. Your sadness is an asset, and we’ll use it wisely.

Mazel, bbs. 💋

If you’re ready to get to work, here are a few places to start. Consider becoming a monthly donor to maximize your impact—the work will be hard, but you can help.

• Carolina Abortion Fund – Assists individuals in North and South Carolina with financial and logistical support for abortion services.

• Mountain Area Abortion Doula Collective (MAADCo) – Provides emotional and practical support to those seeking abortion care in Western North Carolina.

• Dogwood Alliance – Based in Asheville, this group works to protect Southern forests and promote environmental justice.

• Appalachian Voices – Focuses on environmental protection and sustainable development in the Appalachian region.

• Campaign for Southern Equality – Based in Asheville, this organization advocates for LGBTQ+ rights across the South, providing resources, legal support, and advocacy for equality.

• The Okra Project – An organization focused on supporting Black trans people by providing meals, mental health resources, and community support.