Hope Rings Out Through Community Resolutions Thoughts on 2021 and Going Forward
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Compiled by QNotes Staff
its lessons. We all have become comf the new year is placent over the years, not taking good anything to us all, it’s care of ourselves and our resources the opportunity for that the Creator has given us. In 2021, I a reset from the year resolve to be positive, continue to make prior and to allow us a difference in my community, be faithto see how we would ful to God’s call on my life as I pastor like to see our lives the church God has put in my care, and going forward. find joy in each day I am given which I The past year — recognize as a gift from my Creator. 20/20 if looking at Community members share their hopes for the new year. it like vision — was (Photo Credit: JK Sulit via Adobe Stock) Rev. Vance Haywood certainly one for the Senior Pastor proverbial record St. John’s Metropolitan Community Church books. It was fraught with racism, political strife, increased Raleigh, N.C. homelessness brought on by job losses, COVID-19, grief This year, I resolve to be more present. With family, and a host of other taunting, painful experiences. We’ve friends, loved ones, with the world around me and most imhad an opportunity to see the world at its absolute worst portantly ME. The last 12 months reminded us of how preand at its finest. cious life is and how we must slow down and be present. First responders, healthcare workers and others who have been our heroes through the pandemic, as well as Gary Montgomery neighbors, friends and strangers, stepped up to shelter, Queer Society Charlotte tend to and provide comfort as we saw the shape of living Facebook Group turn into sheltering in place, isolation and fear. Charlotte, N.C. The new normal was challenging to adapt to. Six feet My resolve is to continue to build a diverse, vibrant, active took on another meaning from the grave to the distance and all-inclusive LGBTQ community in Charlotte while leading from which we allow others to stand next to us. Masks the cheer for my queer brothers and sisters. Yes, we can. and other forms of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) became the norm. In fact, fashion designers around the Dale J. Pierce world started to design branded masks to help with the Executive Director effort of guarding against contracting the virus. And, inDudley’s Place, Inc. dividuals took to the sewing machine and other methods Charlotte, N.C. to make masks, thus creating a cottage industry to assist I resolve that in 2021 Dudley’s Place will do everything in the effort. They were not the only ones. Factories in its power to work through the new and challenging changed from manufacturing hard line items to creating landscape of a community challenged with COVID to reach masks and ventilators. as many clients as possible. We resolve we will continue What’s more, we also saw a world turned upside to serve clients on a daily basis through our partners at down by a government that challenged convention and Rosedale Health and Wellness, in person and virtually. We worked repeatedly toward stripping away human rights. resolve to expand our offerings for virtual support and Additionally, it attempted to overturn an election that was programming. We resolve to be a better partner with our clearly won by the Democratic candidate. Court cases, clients on media platforms as well. We also resolve that congressional voting and other forms of dispute created we will find new ways to reach our partners and neighbors roadblocks but not barriers to resolve. As of press time, in our homeless community in Charlotte. Most of all we we are still awaiting the final step in the election process resolve to be flexible to change the way we deliver support to take place that accepts the Electoral College certificaservices in the midst of an ever-changing time. tions. It has been rather daunting, to say the least. Amidst all of this, community leaders and members Cameron Pruette across the Carolinas have begun to chart a new course President for 2021. Here are some of those voices who have shared LGBTQ Democrats of Mecklenburg County their resolutions for a brighter, better year ahead. Charlotte, N.C. I resolve to build solidarity with marginalized communiReia Chapman ties (and allies) to continue the ongoing work of dismanFounder/Director of Clinical Services tling systems of oppression. Center for Family & Maternal Wellness, PLLC Charlotte, N.C. John C. Quillin In 2021 I resolve to R.E.S.T. That is, to Reclaim, Explore, Managing Artistic Director Seek and Transform. Many leaders struggle with trying to Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte stay relevant at the expense of maintaining appropriate Charlotte, N.C. balance in important areas of their lives. Setting boundaries Adapt. This year will again be unlike any to come beis foundational to me, reclaiming time for myself in order to fore. Mask-wearing and social distancing will be the norm replenish the investment in the health and healing of others. for much, if not all, of the year, meaning that the Gay Exploration is a form of self-awareness that is propelled Men’s Chorus of Charlotte will not be able to have indoor by a desire to understand myself, through which I can also rehearsals or performances at least until fall. So we’ll have better understand others. This practice requires me to really to continue exploring avenues for these activities that are sit with myself with minimal distraction, in order to seek my outside of our normal practices, and to learn the new skills subconscious motivations. Burnout can occur when leaders needed to realize our mission of creating a society that falsely believe that success depends on their ability to “power values and respects its LGBTQ+ members. through” or ignore their own needs. By setting and maintaining boundaries, taking time to reflect on and respond to my Holly Bielstein Savoy, Ph.D. needs, I am holding myself accountable to transform the Licensed Psychologist relationship that I have with my work into a healthier one. Charlotte, N.C, As I reflect on 2020 coming to a close, my resolve is Rev. Dawn Flynn focus on what to carry forward from 2020 into 2021 rather Pastor than lament the challenges of this past year. My intentions New Life Metropolitan Community Church are: 1) To continue to grow my connections with others. Gastonia, N.C. Social connection is vital to our mental health. It has been In 2021, I resolve to move beyond 2020 and learn from
invaluable to stay connected with friends and family virtually or at a safe social distance. I will cherish when we are able to spend more time together and in community again; 2) To continue to be an activist and advocate for social justice issues. Continuing to stand up, show up, and speak out will forever be important in working to achieve greater equality, especially for BIPOC LGBTQ individuals in our community; and 3) Lastly, I am a fan of choosing a word for the year. My word is “balance,” as I hope to work toward a healthier balance of self-care, self-compassion, and time with loved ones, alongside my clinical work and activism. Lee Storrow Executive Director NC AIDS Action Network Raleigh, N.C. I ran my first marathon in 2020, although the race I had hoped to run in October was cancelled, so I hosted my own personal race with support from some friends in Chapel Hill and Carrboro. In 2021, I hope to run a real live race (assuming large events can happen in the fall which is still an open question), and beat my time from this year. My professional goal for the NC AIDS Action Network is to change state policy to allow pharmacists to prescribe and dispense PEP and PrEP. Colorado made this change in 2020, and we need to do everything we can to take down barriers to PEP and PrEP. J. Wesley Thompson HIV Director Amity Medical Group Charlotte, N.C. 2020 has challenged us all in ways that stole our sense of security, our sense of belonging, and created much loss and grief. My resolve for 2021 is to acknowledge these feelings and to let go of the illusion of controlling anything other than my own response to these feelings. I will strive to find joy in letting go and enjoy each day for the gift it is. Chad Turner President/CEO Charlotte LGBT Chamber of Commerce Charlotte, N.C. 2020 was a challenging time for many small businesses and professionals. Our chamber pivoted to serve these businesses and employees as they navigated the threephased re-opening plan and also attempted to access funding. We are proud of the strides that our chamber made to ensure that businesses were sustained and employees were helped. Moving into the new year, while we do not make resolutions, we will fulfill our mission and set the course to continue to advocate for our members and partners while the pandemic continues. We will be the LGBTQ and ally voice in the room to ensure that funding is available, common sense plans that will sustain are enacted and educating our community on how to support small business from home or through delivery. We are ready for the challenge and will be on the ground for small business, professionals and non-profits day one! Quin Williams Founder/Owner/CEO Quin Knows Inc. Charlotte, N.C. I resolve to start and come close to completing the 501(c)(3) process for my non-profit. This is a difficult financial goal. However, I’ve achieved goals I never thought I could with the help of the community. This will allow me to apply for grants I wouldn’t otherwise receive and expand my reach and ability to serve the community. Along with that I resolve to make bigger social and professional connections within the LGBTQ+ community so that my ability to serve expands in a way which draws others in to do the same; to heal our community, to create awareness, to educate to advocate, and to treasure one another. I resolve to continue to be a better human. : :
Jan. 8-21, 2021
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