this was the year that was

Here is my take on 2015:

This was the year where old, tired governments got replaced by parties with younger leaders and more optimistic outlooks

But it was also the year a reality show host became the leading nominee for President of the U.S.

It was a year that a black man was still in the White house

but it also was a year where a lot of unarmed black men got shot by police.

It was a year in which the Pope asked capitalists to take more care of the less fortunate

But it also was a year when many so-called religious leaders seemed in a contest to see who could say the most hateful thing

It was a year in which we saw some amazing photos of Pluto

But it was also a year in which we saw horrible videos of executions

It was a year where trans people became more visible with more stories being told to more people

But it was also a year where a lot of trans women were killed for no reason other than they were trans

It was a year in which we got to witness some amazing athletic achievements

But it was also a year in which the governing body of the world's most popular sport was shown to be full of bribery and corruption

And for me, it was a year in which pieces I wrote were made available to more people than I ever dreamed possible

But it also was a year in which I spent days curled up in bed hugging a teddy bear and crying till no more tears would come.

So that was the year that was.