A WORD FROM OUR FOUNDER & BOARD CHAIR FOR THE NEW YEAR
Friends,
Let’s get the obvious out of the way - 2023 has been a tough year for queer people across the country, particularly our trans family. Hundreds of anti-queer bills have been proposed across more than half of U.S. states, and upwards of 75 of those bills have been enacted across 23 states - including North Carolina. Our people and our culture have both been mocked, dehumanized, and disregarded. It’s been a tough year for queer people and I don’t want to gloss over that.
Now that the obvious is said, however, I want to pivot and offer a narrative of queer people that isn’t defined explicitly by our oppression. A narrative that paints a different picture of queerness - a brighter one (something like those vibrant colors in our flag!). I have had the great privilege of engaging with so many of our community members this past year in queer bars/clubs, Pride events, on social media, in restaurants, concert venues, businesses, etc. In other words, I see us everywhere. We’re going on dates, running our own businesses, creating beautiful art, dancing, singing, and existing. I want to say how beautiful you are, all of you. The queer joy I’ve witnessed this year gives me hope that, despite the myriad of challenges our community is facing (and will inevitably continue to face) will be met with the strength, passion, and resistance queer people have managed to show in this country for decades.
We are a beautiful community that deserves the space we take up in this world. It is my hope that each of you see that beauty in us, but most importantly in yourselves. Politicians, strangers, religious leaders, family, friends, or other authorities can never define who or what we are - we get to do that for ourselves. So, as we continue battling (as we always do because we’re a strong community), I hope you’ll remember that you’re beautiful, worthy, valued, seen, and loved. I hope you’ll remember that the beauty, strength, joy, and richness of our community is our narrative.
This organization was started in July of this year with one mission in mind - to empower queer people. In 2024, we will continue to chase this mission with new ideas but the same passion we had from the beginning. I, and everyone on our board, loves our community. Let's do 2024 together.
From us to you - Happy New Year.
Love,
Sean D. Roach
Founder & Board Chair
inQlusion inc.
