2017 has been one of the most unsettling years of my life. All of the natural disasters, gun violence, divisions, intolerance, fear, and prejudice in our racist country have created extra stress not only here in my home but in the lives of those who I love and cherish. It is exhausting. I’ve put on unwanted weight, started taking antidepressants, searched endlessly for the perfect sleeping pill and I’ve begun a new ritual of eating an entire pint of Haagen Daz Chocolate Peanut Butter ice cream in bed at least three times a week - if anyone is interested in joining me please send a direct message. When it’s time to zone out in front of the TV, I tire myself out searching for movies to watch that don’t include politics, guns, kidnapping, blood, violence or screaming. All recommendations for your favorite romantic comedies are greatly appreciated.
Even in the midst of all this turmoil there were still some powerful and brilliant moments this past year that remind us of the bright future ahead. In a year when looking for the silver lining took a lot of extra squinting, it is worth noting that people from all parts of our country have been driven into action and resistance. Recent elections prove that we are strengthening our leadership, changing policies and bringing more people together. In November, Virginia elected its first openly transgender elected official, Danica Roem, who ran against the state’s chief homophobe and author of the hateful anti-trans bathroom bill. Andrea Jenkins won a seat to the Minneapolis City Council, becoming the first openly trans black woman to win an election. Clearly, supporting and listening to the trans community is necessary as we confront stormy winds ahead.
Here at home, I do not take my role as Mother in San Francisco lightly. I accept with great pride the various opportunities to guide and comfort you in our ever changing-city, and I’m proud that over and over again, the community rose to the call in 2017. This past year, I added over 1200 new members to the JM! Housing List Group I created on Facebook, which helps friends and family find and access affordable housing, and I gave birth to twelve new baby drag daughters at my monthly party Powerblouse. In June, I helped to raise over $70,000 at my annual JM! Pride Party for the Q Foundation, dedicated to expanding housing opportunities and removing barriers to housing for low-income San Franciscans, and for the LGBT Asylum Project, the only Bay Area nonprofit organization dedicated solely to offering free legal representation to vulnerable LGBTQ immigrants seeking asylum and refuge from persecution abroad. Just two months later, I joined with other LGBTQ, indigenous and interfaith community leaders to organize the “Come Together” Rally & March, which drew over 10,000 people and exceeded its goal of raising $100,000 through the No Hate SF campaign in the fight against hate and white supremacy in our city. Not to mention, I have also produced a few damn good drag shows, damn good. What a year it’s been.
Receiving recognition is often unnecessary, but this year’s personal honors meant a lot. I was honored to accept the title of Grand Marshall of Krewe de Kinque Bal Masque XIV, helping to promote the culture and traditions of Mardi Gras celebrations worldwide while raising funds and awareness for charitable causes. I also received a Certificate of Honor from the City and County of San Francisco and Supervisor Aaron Peskin, praising my role as a community leader.
There will be many challenges next year coming from our government that we may not even be aware of yet, but we must be prepared and stay united. We must all consider the ways in which we can contribute in and to our communities. Above all, let’s continue to love and support each other as we fight to build a more equitable society.