Well wishes for a happy new year

It’s a new year. You know what that means — time to break out the resolutions. Many of us do it. We make a list of things we want to do or change in our personal lives, for our career and in our volunteer work. This year, I’ve got a list of new year resolutions for myself, for the newspaper and for the community at large. Here’s to a fabulous 2014 and exciting times ahead!

For me

In 2012, I made a personal resolution to get back involved in a faith community. I searched several congregations and visited a couple and finally landed in a great spot. I did so well on that resolution for most of 2012. Then the Democratic National Convention hit. My personal schedule went wacky and I got out of the habit of attending church each week. That’s lasted for more than a year now, and I’m ready to get back in the swing. So, my first resolution is a renewal of an old one. I’m looking forward to getting back involved with my faith community and all the education, fellowship and enlightenment it brings.

Through the next year, I’m also looking forward to a better, more healthy lifestyle. In sticking with our issue’s featured content, I’m making a resolution to be more fit. When I first moved to Charlotte, I was at a healthy weight and size. Flash forward several years later — with all the desk sitting and fast food eating from a sometimes too busy schedule — and I’ve packed on too much weight. I’ll start small, with changes to my diet and a daily exercise regimen, perhaps even taking some cues from the personal trainers who contributed to qnotes this issue.

For the newspaper

Late in 2013, the staff of qnotes took a look at our decades-long mission statement and decided it was time for a revamp. We updated and modernized its verbiage and added to it, expanding our news coverage to include both LGBT and other social justice issues. 2014 will be the first full year we put ourselves to that task. We hope our community will keep us on point and accountable to our own mission. I hope you’ll let us know when we are not covering a social or economic justice issue or cause you think we should be chronicling.

In the next few weeks, you’ll also see a dramatic change to our website. It’s one of our most dynamic website overhauls and we’re all excited for the possibilities. Our resolution this year is to make it easier for you to access the news and features you enjoy. To that end, our new website will make it easier for you no matter what type of device you use to access our site. On tablets and smart phones, our new, responsive design will customize your reading experience. We’re also excited about looking into options to bring you a smart phone and tablet app. Stay tuned for more on that.

For the community

2013 was a phenomenal year of progress for the LGBT community, both nationally and locally. I hope our community continues to build upon this momentum as we move into another year.

With anti-gay-marriage bans dropping and new inclusive marriage laws passing in several states in 2013, I think we can look forward to even broader progress on this issue this year. At the same time, I hope we remain vigilant about reminding ourselves that marriage is not the end-all, be-all issue for LGBT equality. It’s fantastic that marriage is moving so quickly, but we must not forget other inclusion efforts that can benefit a wide swath of our community, including the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.

Locally, I hope leaders in North Carolina’s LGBT community will find ways to become more involved in local and state government. Civic involvement and civic engagement are the keys to moving and changing hearts and minds. Whether you have an opportunity to run for elected office or serve on a public board or commission, having a physical and literal seat at the table brings visible and vocal LGBT presence to the cities, town and states where we live.

For all us

In 2014, I wish all of us a collective and happy year of success and progress, be it in our careers, with our families or in whatever passion you might have. Remember that the staff at qnotes is here to help you, your businesses and your organizations. If you ever have any news stories or tips, need help getting the word out or want to take advantage of some marketing opportunities through qnotes advertising, never hesitate to give us a call at 704-531-9988. For news tips and feedback, feel free to email me at editor@qnotescarolinas.com and for advertising questions, email adsales@qnotescarolinas.com.

Happy new year! : :