10 Reasons Why Kamala Won (And It Has Nothing to Do with the Actual Election)

While reflecting on what feels like a bad dream, these realities came up so It’s coming out. 

Kamala Harris may not have “won” in the traditional sense, but as a Black and South Asian woman stepping into one of the highest offices, she has undeniably exposed how deeply attached this country is to power structures that weren’t built for the US. 

Her presence forced us to see—again—just how much work remains to heal the trauma of racism, sexism, capitalism, transphobia, and homophobia. So here we are, at a crossroads, exhausted but unsurprised. And as we release the frustration and disappointment that comes from waiting on systems that never prioritized US, let’s embrace the power we hold, the boundaries we’re setting, and the work we’re doing for US, These are ten reasons why Kamala’s presence matters, and why this moment is about reclaiming our time, our energy, and our focus on what truly serves US.

10 Reasons Why Kamala Won (And It Has Nothing to Do with the Actual Election)   

•  Overqualified, Still Undervalued 
  • Kamala’s journey reflects the reality for many Black women: being highly qualified but still underestimated and scrutinized. Let’s release the need to justify our qualifications to those who refuse to see the US. Instead, let’s embrace our expertise, value ourselves, and lift up those who appreciate our contributions without question.

•  Compassion That Honors Our Humanity
  • Kamala’s leadership demonstrates the strength of compassion, a trait we’ve been expected to show in abundance, even without reciprocity. Let’s release the expectation to endlessly overextend our empathy. Instead, let’s direct our compassion to people and communities that recognize, respect, and value it.

• Real Accountability, Not Excuses
  • Kamala shows up with accountability—a standard often demanded of us but not equally applied to others. Let’s embrace accountability as our baseline, and invest in relationships and spaces that value integrity. We’re done excusing harmful behaviors or lowering our standards to accommodate those unwilling to be accountable

• Unity That Respects Differences
  • Kamala’s approach to unity isn’t about ignoring differences; it’s about valuing all parts of who we are. Let’s release the idea that we should erase parts of ourselves to make others comfortable. Instead, let’s embrace unity that honors and respects our full identities and connects us in authentic ways.
•  Equity as Essential to Well-Being
  • Kamala’s commitment to equity underscores that fairness and access aren’t optional. Let’s release any belief that we need to “earn” our place or ask for basic respect. Instead, let’s continue to build spaces that prioritize equity and advocate for systems that see equity as the standard—not a request.

• Confronting Hard Truths Without Apology
  • Kamala’s presence demands that we face uncomfortable truths about our country’s history and systems. Let’s release the habit of softening these truths to make them more palatable. Instead, let’s embrace our right to speak the truth about the impacts of racism, sexism, homophobia, and oppression, and support those who are ready to listen and learn. 

• Resilience as Survival, Not Expectation
  • Kamala’s resilience speaks to the strength it takes to survive and succeed in spaces not made for US. But resilience shouldn’t be a requirement just to be respected. Let’s release the expectation that resilience alone is enough. Instead, let’s advocate for a world where resilience is a resource —not a requirement. 

• Empathy That Serves Our Communities
  • First Kamala’s empathy is inspiring, and we’re reminded to use ours where it matters most: within our own communities. Let’s release the expectation that we’ll pour empathy into people or spaces unwilling to change. Instead, let’s reserve our compassion for those who truly value it, and use it to uplift and support those who need it most 
•  Redefining Leadership Beyond White Male Standard
  • Kamala’s role challenges the unspoken assumption that leadership looks a certain way. Let’s release any pressure to conform to outdated, white-male-centered standards of leadership. Instead, let’s redefine leadership on our own terms and encourage our communities to do the same, lifting up diverse voices and perspectives. 

• A Vision of Healing Built By and For Us
  • Kamala’s vision isn’t about power for the few; it’s about a future where everyone has a voice. Let’s release any need to seek approval from systems that weren’t made to support the US. Instead, let’s build spaces for healing that reflect our values, prioritize our well-being, and create true inclusion for all who are ready. 

 What This Election Reveals About US 

Kamala’s “win” has highlighted just how deep privilege and bias still run in this country, and how many people are comfortable with systems that don’t see or value US. It’s disappointing but not surprising. For mental health professionals and advocates, this is a call to keep pushing for spaces that honor every identity, every experience, and every voice. 

We’re here to serve those who are ready to do the work with US, not to keep waiting for a system that has never prioritized our best interests. 

 Reflection This moment is about reclaiming our time, our energy, and our focus on what matters to US. Kamala’s presence has reminded US of our power, our resilience, and the importance of setting boundaries that protect our energy. So let’s release what no longer serves US, and embrace our work with integrity and purpose. 

We’re here for the people who see US, who understand, and who are ready to build with US. This work is for US, and we’re doing it on our terms.