The end to a chapter

I choose to be unstoppable. I am bigger than my concerns and worries.
The strength of others inspires me daily. I focus on my goals.
I trust my intuition and live a courageous life!

As of today, 1 January 2016, I no longer am associated with the Bronx LGBTQ Center and have severed all ties to the organization. I shared this news with some of my closest friends about two weeks ago.

I am the last of the co-founders to leave the Center, 3.5 years after it started -- which is fitting in a way as I was perhaps the first to organize the new organization.

Having served as the Board Secretary since the Center's incorporation on 19 September 2012, my decision not to run for re-election and continue my tenure as an officer on the board of directors was announced at the annual membership meeting on 14 December 2015. This decision did not come lightly but leaves me time to work on projects that are bringing positive energy into my life.

Of all the accomplishments during my tenure, I am most proud of Bronx LGBTQ Pride. As chair of the Pride committee, we accomplished in The Bronx what no other group had been able to do in the history of the borough's LGBTQ activism: Hold a successful Pride dinner (and yes, it was in The Bronx). Nearly 200 people attended a wonderful event, which also celebrated some amazing Bronxites who have spent most of their life or careers working for and on behalf of the Bronx LGBTQ communities.

For 200 folks from all walks of life to come out in support of the very first LGBTQ Pride dinner in The Bronx—ever—was quite a coup and, perhaps, one of the highlights of my work. That the evening is still being talked about half a year later, is a testament to its great success.

I am so very, very grateful for the numerous opportunities I have had to have worked with some amazingly wonderful and beautiful people—many of whom I now consider close and dear friends. Forging these friendships has made all of the hardships and obstacles I encountered in this difficult work more than worth it! Their task has been—and continues to be—gargantuan, and they need all the support they can get. The Bronx LGBTQ community must step up and provide these leaders this essential support.

I wish the Center well in its future endeavors. My hope is that it will stay true to its mission and remain independent—especially from political influence, as all 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations should.

For those who have asked me how I feel about what took place, here is my response:

I appreciate your concern but this was my decision, which I announced before nominations for the election or re-election of board members was called. The sentiment expressed in the graphic at the beginning of this post best expresses my decision. I know I can count on all of you to continue supporting me in my future endeavors, and I am ever so grateful for your love and support!