Lea Salonga feels safe again post-Trump Era
10 Nov – Lea Salonga can finally breathe a sigh of relief now that Donald Trump will not be resuming his position as the President of the United States for four more years.
Following news of Democratic Party presidential nominee Joe Biden winning the 2020 US Presidential Election, Salonga recently took to Facebook to share how anxious she had been for the past few years being a woman of colour in the Trump Era.
"Before heading to the US to embark on my 2017 US tour, I asked my manager if I would be safe. I've never had to ask that question, ever. It was the first time I actually felt apprehension walking in the streets of one of the biggest melting pots in the world, New York City. I felt I had to constantly look over my shoulder to make sure I was far enough away from people so as not to get attacked."
"Every time I went on stage during my US and Canadian tours, Nicole would always... always ask the question, "Are you going to be OK? No one's going to hurt you while you're on stage?" I had to reassure her that I would be safe. She was doubly worried when on tour in 2019 I went out on stage with crutches, hobbling until I reached my spot, sat down, got settled, and sang," she wrote.
Salonga, a well-respected musical star, admitted that she never felt such anxiety before in her life, adding that one should never have to feel that kind of fear in a democracy.
"Today, it feels like I can go back to the USA (well, not while we're still in the midst of a pandemic, but you know what I mean) and not have to feel like I'm being watched by nefarious forces wanting to do me harm. Today, I feel something familiar and far more welcome: HOPE," she added.
(Photo Source: Lea Salonga Facebook)
