It’s that time of year that we start thinking about our goals and plans for the year’s ahead. I asked several of our LGBT community leaders to share their resolutions for the coming year. Some resolutions are very personal (self-care resolutions for these hard workers are encouraged) and many are about the work ahead for our movement. Presented here, unedited, are their resolutions. What will you do to make the world a better place for LGBT people in 2017? Share your resolution on facebook and twitter using the hashtag #LGBTQresolution.
Beth Shipp
LPAC
“In 2017, LPAC is resolved to fight tooth and nail to protect our progress and defend against any attempts to erode the rights and equality of the LGBTQ community, women, people of color, religious minorities, immigrants, labor unions — anyone who faces bullying by the president-elect!”
LPAC builds the political power of lesbians and queer women by electing candidates who champion LGBTQ rights, women’s equality and social justice. Learn more about LPAC at: www.teamlpac.com
Faith Cheltenham
BiNet USA
“I believe that when you state your intentions to the world, the world is more likely to be as you intended. So every year I start with a list of items I’d like to accomplish, issues to professionally resolve, and dreams I’d like to see come true.
As we close 2016 all around me a dissonance is heard, from the cracking and crumbling of a country long blind to its own bad behavior. All around us are signs of who we could be, what our world has the potential to be and what’s at stake for humanity. In times like these the resolutions get simpler, the path becomes clearer and my heart warms to a steady beat:
RESIST. LOVE. REPEAT.”
BiNetUSA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit advocating for bisexual communities in the U.S.Learn more about BiNet USA at www.binetusa.org
Rebecca Isaacs
Equality Federation
“I resolve to work harder than ever to move the LGBTQ agenda forward, even with a hostile Administration. I resolve to be a true partner to groups who are facing threats, because their agenda is our agenda. We will continue building power and leadership at the state and local levels so that our resistance can be as strong and successful as possible. I am more determined and energized than ever to continue Equality Federation’s work to win equality and equity in the states and to work on building strong partnerships to work on racial, economic, and social justice issues in the communities we call home.”
Equality Federation is the movement builder and strategic partner to state-based organizations advocating for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people. Learn more about the Equality Federation at www.equalityfederation.org
Russell Roybal
National LGBTQ Task Force
“I have the same new years resolution every year – Have more fun in the New Year then I did in the previous year. And after 2016, I need more fun in my life.”
The National LGBTQ Task Force advances full freedom, justice and equality for LGBTQ people. Learn more about the National LGBTQ Task Force at www.thetaskforce.org
Brian Langevin
Asexual Outreach
“As we continue to face ever increasing hurdles and unexpected challenges, I resolve to spend more energy collaborating with the folks around me so that we can face those difficulties together. I often get so caught up in all of my own work that I forget to look around and see who might be working on similar projects. As has always been the case, I believe collaboration will be key to overcoming new challenges and to building up movements that can benefit all of us.”
Asexual Outreach aspires to act as an umbrella organization for the national ace and aro advocacy movement by providing structure, sustainability, and resources that help projects and communities flourish.Learn more about Asexual Outreach at www.asexualoutreach.org
Lourdes Ashley Hunter
Trans Women of Color Collective
“So much of my life has been focused on helping others. This year I want to center my focus on continuing my education by entering a Doctoral program.
I also want to continue to work towards expanding global advocacy for trans and gender non-conforming people of color and buy a house.”
The Trans Women of Color Collective uplifts the narratives, leadership, and lived experiences of trans people of color.”Learn more about TWOCC at www.twocc.us
J’aime Grant
Global Trans Research and Advocacy Project
“My resolution is to never ‘normalize’ the administration whose figurehead I will not name. I commit to a constant posture of resistance. I commit also to resourcing the leaders and leadership we most need right now to fight our way out. Nationally, in terms of queer activism, Black Lives Matter is where the juice and the momentum is for me. In terms of local organizing, I am a huge fan of Dignity and Power Now in LA, which foregrounds the leadership of formerly incarcerated folks and their families but is equally committed to healing justice practices in its network. They work on policy too, and have won a citizen’s review board of one of the most violent Sheriff’s offices in the nation. I love HIPS in DC for their unwavering support of sex workers, transfolks and addicts. They will always have my coins and my vocal support. There is so much great work going on among our people, that’s where my hope is!”
Earl Fowlkes
National Center for Black Equity
“My wish is that we can organize our communities to resist the excesses of the incoming Trump administration.”
The Center for Black Equity (CBE) is an institution committed to supporting leaders, institutions and programs for health, economic and social equity for LGBT people of African descent. Learn more about the National Center for Black Equity at: www.centerforblackequity.org
Rea Carey
The National LGBTQ Task Force
“To be resolute in my resistance and to tap into the hope that is out there among millions of people.”
The National LGBTQ Task Force advances full freedom, justice and equality for LGBTQ people. Learn more about the National LGBTQ Task Force at www.thetaskforce.org
Share your resolution on facebook and twitter using the hashtag #LGBTQresolution