Hope Rings Out Through Community Resolutions

Hope Rings out Through Community Resolutions Thoughts on 2021 and Going Forward

CoMPILED BY qNoTES STAFF

If the new year is its lessons. We all have become comanything to us all, it’s placent over the years, not taking good the opportunity for care of ourselves and our resources a reset from the year that the Creator has given us. In 2021, I prior and to allow us resolve to be positive, continue to make to see how we would a difference in my community, be faithlike to see our lives ful to God’s call on my life as I pastor going forward. the church God has put in my care, and

The past year — find joy in each day I am given which I 20/20 if looking at it like vision — was certainly one for the Community members share their hopes for the new year. (Photo Credit: JK Sulit via Adobe Stock) recognize as a gift from my Creator. Rev. Vance Haywood proverbial record Senior Pastor books. It was fraught with racism, political strife, increased St. John’s Metropolitan Community Church homelessness brought on by job losses, COVID-19, grief Raleigh, N.C. and a host of other taunting, painful experiences. We’ve This year, I resolve to be more present. With family, had an opportunity to see the world at its absolute worst friends, loved ones, with the world around me and most imand at its finest. portantly ME. The last 12 months reminded us of how pre-

First responders, healthcare workers and others who cious life is and how we must slow down and be present. have been our heroes through the pandemic, as well as neighbors, friends and strangers, stepped up to shelter, Gary Montgomery tend to and provide comfort as we saw the shape of living Queer Society Charlotte turn into sheltering in place, isolation and fear. Facebook Group

The new normal was challenging to adapt to. Six feet Charlotte, N.C. took on another meaning from the grave to the distance My resolve is to continue to build a diverse, vibrant, active from which we allow others to stand next to us. Masks and all-inclusive LGBTQ community in Charlotte while leading and other forms of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) the cheer for my queer brothers and sisters. Yes, we can. became the norm. In fact, fashion designers around the world started to design branded masks to help with the Dale J. Pierce effort of guarding against contracting the virus. And, in- Executive Director dividuals took to the sewing machine and other methods Dudley’s Place, Inc. to make masks, thus creating a cottage industry to assist Charlotte, N.C. in the effort. They were not the only ones. Factories I resolve that in 2021 Dudley’s Place will do everything changed from manufacturing hard line items to creating in its power to work through the new and challenging masks and ventilators. landscape of a community challenged with COVID to reach

What’s more, we also saw a world turned upside as many clients as possible. We resolve we will continue down by a government that challenged convention and to serve clients on a daily basis through our partners at worked repeatedly toward stripping away human rights. Rosedale Health and Wellness, in person and virtually. We Additionally, it attempted to overturn an election that was resolve to expand our offerings for virtual support and clearly won by the Democratic candidate. Court cases, programming. We resolve to be a better partner with our congressional voting and other forms of dispute created clients on media platforms as well. We also resolve that roadblocks but not barriers to resolve. As of press time, we will find new ways to reach our partners and neighbors we are still awaiting the final step in the election process in our homeless community in Charlotte. Most of all we to take place that accepts the Electoral College certifica- resolve to be flexible to change the way we deliver support tions. It has been rather daunting, to say the least. services in the midst of an ever-changing time.

Amidst all of this, community leaders and members across the Carolinas have begun to chart a new course Cameron Pruette for 2021. Here are some of those voices who have shared President their resolutions for a brighter, better year ahead. LGBTQ Democrats of Mecklenburg County

Reia Chapman I resolve to build solidarity with marginalized communiFounder/Director of Clinical Services ties (and allies) to continue the ongoing work of dismanCenter for Family & Maternal Wellness, PLLC tling systems of oppression.

Charlotte, N.C.

In 2021 I resolve to R.E.S.T. That is, to Reclaim, Explore, John C. Quillin Seek and Transform. Many leaders struggle with trying to Managing Artistic Director stay relevant at the expense of maintaining appropriate Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte balance in important areas of their lives. Setting boundaries Charlotte, N.C. is foundational to me, reclaiming time for myself in order to Adapt. This year will again be unlike any to come bereplenish the investment in the health and healing of others. fore. Mask-wearing and social distancing will be the norm Exploration is a form of self-awareness that is propelled for much, if not all, of the year, meaning that the Gay by a desire to understand myself, through which I can also Men’s Chorus of Charlotte will not be able to have indoor better understand others. This practice requires me to really rehearsals or performances at least until fall. So we’ll have sit with myself with minimal distraction, in order to seek my to continue exploring avenues for these activities that are subconscious motivations. Burnout can occur when leaders outside of our normal practices, and to learn the new skills falsely believe that success depends on their ability to “power needed to realize our mission of creating a society that through” or ignore their own needs. By setting and maintain- values and respects its LGBTQ+ members. ing boundaries, taking time to reflect on and respond to my

Charlotte, N.C.

needs, I am holding myself accountable to transform the Holly Bielstein Savoy, Ph.D. relationship that I have with my work into a healthier one. Licensed Psychologist

Charlotte, N.C,

Rev. Dawn Flynn As I reflect on 2020 coming to a close, my resolve is Pastor focus on what to carry forward from 2020 into 2021 rather New Life Metropolitan Community Church than lament the challenges of this past year. My intentions Gastonia, N.C. are: 1) To continue to grow my connections with others.

In 2021, I resolve to move beyond 2020 and learn from Social connection is vital to our mental health. It has been 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 qnotes 9