Pantsuit Nation

I'm a member of a secret Facebook group called Pantsuit Nation. It started as an idea to wear pantsuits on Nov. 8th in support of electing our first female president. I guess the group isn't all that secret, because in less than two weeks it has over a million members.

I'm not writing about this group to proclaim a political stand (although I do support Clinton and abhor Trump). I'm writing about this amazing support and celebration of women.

Women are posting their stories of abuse, of rape, of being passed over for men, of being seen as sex objects first and capable humans second. Stories of marriages in which, after nearly 100 years of having the right to vote, women are still expected to stand beside (or behind) their husbands. Of being unwanted children because their parents valued boys more. Of being blamed for their abuse because of their dress or attitude or naivete. Of having to work twice as hard for less money at the office, while also being responsible for the home and the family.

Women are sharing stories of voting with their grandmothers, of the history of women fighting for equality, of daughters voting for the first time and casting that vote for a woman. Sharing the history of women's suffrage, of the nearly 70 years of fighting, being jailed, being scoffed at, being called un-feminine, being treated like criminals because we believed we're as important as men and should have a voice.

This Facebook group is a voice. It's pride and courage and support. It's love for one another and a common cause. It's shared pain and shared joy and a shared vision for a future in which women's priorities shape society -- community building and families and education, peace and freedom and equality. It's women of all ages and ethnicities and backgrounds, and even some men and some Republicans. It's everybody who believes that staying positive and hopeful, and that banding together for the common good, will help us create the future we dream of.

Pantsuit Nation, a secret that we all hope won't stay secret, is the very best of social media. If you're a Hillary supporter and want a positive, supportive, uplifting community, let me know and I'll invite you into this group. But shhhhh ... it's a secret.