It’s taken me over a week to go through a roller coast of emotions to be able to finally sit down and write. For long time readers, much of what I have to say will be something you’ve heard from me at one point or another. But I know I’m always getting new readers. I also recognize much of what I have to say applies to readers in the United States.

Earlier this month the United States chose to turn away from freedom, inclusiveness, and progress to elect someone who has claimed they will be a dictator on “day one,” truly turning away from the American ideal of democracy. In light of the election, I went through the thoughts I had last time this happened. There was a period of numbness. I thought my blog is a waste of time, of energy, I should just give up. My numbness gave way to grief and fear. And I have finally arrived at a state of anger, and working to develop a balance between fighting and joy. For years my blog has included both elements, and it will continue to do just that.

Today, before I highlight what I wore for Halloween (a blog post I had slated the week of the election), I want to discuss a whole lot of things…

As I have said before, those who enjoy the vintage aesthetic can often be labeled as someone who wishes to live in the past. That has never been my case. I recognize that much of the aesthetics I enjoy are from a time period when people of color, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and women had fewer rights. I have a degree in history, with a focus on the mid-20th century, so I know what I’m talking about. Because of the common belief that those who love old stuff must have a desire to live in the past, I find it vital to speak up and say “Nope!” And as many on Instagram and other social platforms like to say, “Vintage Style. Not Vintage Values.”

To repeat what I have said before…

I believe in equality.

I believe in LGBTQIA+ rights.

I believe in the strict separation of church and state, including that “under God”  should be removed from the Pledge of Allegiance (which was added in 1954) and that “In God we Trust” should be removed from future currency.

I believe in science, including vaccines, global warming is real, and that wearing a mask reduces risk of illness.

I believe in reforming our immigration system, tax system, gun laws, police, and military.

I believe in better funding for education, including tax-funded (aka free) college education.

I believe in universal healthcare, including safe, easy, and free access to various forms of birth control and abortion.

And honestly, this is a non-exhaustive list, but it pretty much covers the bases.

My beliefs and values do not just end with words, they continue with action. Patrick and I have supported various groups and organizations in a variety of ways over the years, including…

Planned Parenthood

Southern Poverty Law Center

NAACP

Navajo Relief Fund

National Network of Abortion Funds

Trevor Project

ACLU

Women’s March

Greenpeace

Postcards to Voters

Right to Be

Swing Left

I do not say this to “toot my own horn” but instead to show that you too can make a difference. Often it can be difficult to find a starting point to help fight for justice. I provide the list above to give you a starting point. I encourage you to do your own research, find what is important to you, and then support in ways that are feasible for you.

I also encourage you to work on building community. Find local chapters of organizations and become involved. We must now rely on ourselves to find the much needed support for the years to come. Great places to find community can be as easy as your PTA if you’re a parent with a child in school, your local library, attending or starting a neighborhood clean-up, just to name a few. I also encourage you to have discussions with your loved ones. Make sure people know how you feel, what your fears are, and methods to help one another out. I encourage you to shop local, shop small, and shop used. Remember none of us are perfect. We all rely on and use big businesses that are not perfect. But you can still make an impact. Shopping small is another great way to become a part of your community. Many small local business have events. And small local businesses doesn’t just mean shopping. It also means museums, theaters (both live entertainment and movies!) and more! Visiting museums is a great way to learn, and both live entertainment and movies, especially went seen at a local cinema or drive-in, can do wonders for the spirit!

I really could go on and on, but I’ll end with a few more words. At the bare minimum, if you’re 18 or older, make sure you’re registered to vote. You can check your status here. Unregistered? Learn how to register to vote here. Then show up for each and every election. Please. For those with mail-in voting, I recommend signing up for a ballot tracking service. Please visit this site to learn more.

And of course, take time to find joy. Take care of yourself. Be kind to yourself. I hope that my blog continues to be a source of joy and learning for you.

Now, if you have a problem with any of this, then well, you can hit the “unfollow” button. For those sticking around, thanks for listening, and please vote in the future.

NOTE: Hate fueled comments will be deleted.