Election Reflections

By CEO and Founder, Stacy Handler

Yesterday, I kept telling myself, “Today I grieve, tomorrow we fight.” But I woke up this morning still deeply heavy with anxiety and fear and worry as the implications of this election continued to take shape in my mind. I'm confused by what drove people to feel like this person was their best choice for a brighter future. I'm scared for what that means for the people who are the direct targets of his ire. I'm worried for the future that our children will inherit because of the decisions that the majority of the voting public made now.

And while it will take time to fully process and understand how we got to this point, I know that remaining in despair is not the path forward - it is as important as ever to remember that we have powerful tools at our disposal to fight for our beliefs. These tools look different for each of us, but for many of you in community with us, art is that tool. And while I wish I never had to resort to this phrase again, NOW MORE THAN EVER art is needed, not only as a form of protest and resistance, but also as a medium for connection and processing.

We will always stand in solidarity with and in support of the artists, advocates, and disruptors that use art as their form of protest, resistance, connection, sanctuary, and joy. We in particular stand with BIPOC, trans, immigrant, and disabled communities, and those at the intersections of those identities, who have historically and continue to be underserved, marginalized, and dehumanized in our country. Bloom Arts is committed to anti-racism, dispelling ignorance, and battling hate, and through our work and advocacy efforts, we will continue to uplift the populations that will be particularly targeted in the upcoming administration.  

I'm not done grieving, and I will continue to seek answers, but soon my energy will be focused on the fight for the future we hope to see. I hope you will join me.