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America has voted, and for many marginalized communities, it feels like the nation has failed them.

President-elect Donald Trump's campaign rhetoric has been dubbed racist, sexist, ableist and abusive throughout his fight to the presidency. And although his tactics have long been criticized as abrasive and alarming, Trump succeeded in defeating Hillary Clinton for the presidency.

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Many activists argue his victory came by harnessing privilege, deeply offending and disregarding various communities on his way to the most powerful seat in the country. Now that Trump is the president-elect, many people are fearful of the power he holds due to the threats and opinions on which he's built his platform and persona.

We spoke to nine activists -- people of color, women, LGBTQ folks, immigrant advocates and people with disabilities -- about what Trump's success means for their communities. They told us what they want everyone know, as the nation prepares for Trump's America.

Brittany Packnett, Campaign Zero organizer and member of the President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing

Credit: Courtesy of Brittany Packnett

"These are perilous times -- but they are not impossible.

"Yesterday's election was validation of some deeply dangerous mindsets -- but these mindsets are not strangers. Just as when they have reared their head before, we will confront this danger with creativity, ingenuity and strength.

"The protestors chant, 'I believe that we will win.' Indeed, I so believe."

Anastasia Somoza, disability rights advocate and Hillary Clinton surrogate

Credit: Mark J. Terrill/AP

"Tolerance was on the ballot. Justice was on the ballot. Equality was on the ballot. All of those things we still want after getting over the shock, sadness, anger and fear...

"As Hillary Clinton said in her concession speech, we need to unite behind all of the issues we all are passionate about and continue fighting the good fight, as they say. I would urge Americans with disabilities to stay hopeful and committed to making sure that we can continue to integrate into our communities, and extend pathways toward equality and opportunity. That fight hasn't ended.

"We need to keep going, and continue to advocate for everything that we believe in and deserve."

Tiq Milan, writer, speaker and transgender activist

Credit: Courtesy of Tiq Milan

"The pundits are 'fascinated' by how this happened. I'm heartbroken and worried -- worried about my family and friends who are working class and cash poor. I'm worried about all the queer folks who may have their access to health care stripped from them and the prospect of being openly discriminated against and violated. This election result says a lot about how strong the current of racism and the depth of misogyny is in America.

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"Sixty-three percent of white men voted for Trump. [Fifty-three] percent of white women did as well. This is the time for our white allies to collect their folks, do the bulk of this work and make this right. All of our futures depend on it."

Julia Bascom, deputy executive director at the Autistic Self Advocacy Network

Credit: Courtesy of Julia Bascom

"The disability community has made incredible progress over the past eight years, and many of us are understandably concerned about what Donald Trump's election may mean for the services, laws and health care our people depend on for survival. But we won't give that progress up without a fight.

"We will need to organize and mobilize in ways we never have before. We will need to recognize the incredible diversity and complexity of our community, and ensure that the work we do lifts everyone up. But all of this is doable. We have a lot of work and a long fight ahead of us, and we need to get started now. Let's go."

Robert McCaw, Director of Government Affairs Department at Council on American-Islamic Relations

Credit: Courtesy of Robert McCaw

"Muslim Americans need to know that their rights are protected by the law, and now is the time to use them...

"Because Donald Trump as a candidate proposed a number of hostile policies that would infringe on the rights of American Muslims, the community is very concerned about what happens next under the future Trump presidency. We want to know if there is a difference between candidate Trump and commander-in-chief Trump.

"I hope the Trump administration is able to develop an authentic relationship with trusted Muslim community leaders, and that we are not left without a seat at the table."

Feminista Jones, feminist writer and community activist

Credit: Courtesy of Feminista Jones

"I want to tell everyone who feels the weight of what we face that it is OK to be sad, angry, hurt and even hopeless. That's a natural reaction to such an atrocity. We have to continue on, however, as best we can and as united as possible.

"There is very real work that must continue and we have to rally each other and our resources now more than ever. Tyranny and hatred cannot and will not win. We need to focus on educating ourselves, strengthening our organizations and protecting our communities. This doesn't have to be the end, and we don't have to sit back and allow hate to win."

Aaron C. Morris, executive director of Immigration Equality

Credit: Courtesy of Immigration Equality

"I've heard from many in our community today who are feeling fear, disillusionment and despair. At Immigration Equality, we have been protecting and empowering LGBTQ and HIV-positive immigrants for more than 20 years. In that time, we have made remarkable progress and also weathered significant setbacks.

"I have never felt that our mission was more necessary. For the next four years, we will strive every day to save lives, to defend our progress and to take back the soul of this nation.

"For those of you who are immigrants, please know that we are here for you. And we will continue to do everything in our power to keep you and your family safe."

Sarah Kate Ellis, president and CEO of GLAAD

Credit: Courtesy of GLAAD

"Donald Trump sits atop the most hateful Republican platform in history -- one that sorely endangers the most fundamental American values of fairness and equality for all. America stands tallest when it stands firmly in its founding principle that all people are created equal.

"With the election behind him, President-elect Trump must now rise above divisive politics and side with the vast majority of Americans who demand equality for their LGBTQ friends, family and neighbors.

"While disappointed, we are certainly not defeated; the pursuit of full acceptance will continue until everyone, no matter who they are or who they love, can simply live the life they love."

Virgie Tovar, author, body positive activist and creator of #LoseHateNotWeight

Credit: Courtesy of Virgie Tovar

"On the heels of this devastating election, I am reminded of the importance of being impolite, being persistent and having conviction. As a fat woman of color, I know how much we risk when we name injustice. People face immeasurable cruelty every day, and often feel beaten by it. But it's important to recognize that everything we have survived has made us stronger, not weaker. That's the big secret.

"I want to tell my community that we have survived unimaginable unfairness, we have been told that this unfairness is normal or nonexistent, and now we have a rare opportunity to look in the face of bold and unapologetic bigotry and say, 'I'm bigger than you.'"

TopicsActivismLGBTQSocial GoodDonald Trump