As we rapidly approach the new year, I find myself very much of two minds about it. I am deeply afraid of what might be coming. As a member of an often-prosecuted community, I see things a bit differently than many of my straight friends, including frightening echoes of history from almost a hundred years ago.
And yet, I also see reasons to hope. Yes, my worst fear has been realized. But now that it’s here. I’m finding ways to stand in my truth and rally others around me, and dare I say it, to still hope.
So I thought I’d look forward today with both trepidation and inspiration.
The World
Climate change is setting the world on fire, and growing instability threatens even what we assumed were solidly democratic nations.
My fear: that we are descending into a period of global chaos, as basic needs (water, food, energy) become increasingly threatened, and people turn to “populist” governments promising a quick fix.
My hope: That this change itself may be a catalyst for a better one, as people recognize that these governments can’t deliver what they are promising (or don’t even try). And that we will be able to hold the line on efforts already underway to try to mitigate climate change.
The US
Things didn’t go the way we hoped back in November. After January 6th, I was certain our 45th president would never be reelected, but stubborn inflation and a drumbeat of false claims and partisan messaging helped bring him back into office, along with co-president Musk.
My fear: That we’re seeing a replay of Germany in the thirties, with immigrants and trans folk targeted first, and the rest of us who aren’t straight white men not far behind. We have renewed our passports, and the fear is palpable among the LGBTQ community.
My hope: That the win was so narrow (including a tiny margin in the house), the factions in the GOP have such different goals, and the president is such a chaos agent that far less of the Project 2025 agenda gets through than would have been the case under a more disciplined leader.
California:
The Golden State has never looked so gray. Housing prices have soared, income has stagnated, fires burn our forests, and the liberal agenda that California champions seems to have just been routed nationwide.
My fear: That we don’t respond effectively to the new threat. The only response so far seems to be a legal fund to fight for our priorities in the courts, but with the US Supreme Court solidly on the right, I’m not sure how effective that will be. And I fear we won’t take a long, hard look at what’s gone wrong here and try to address it.
My hope: We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity here. To model for the rest of the country the way that liberal/progressive ideas can make things better for everyone. I’m hoping that we press hard against our housing and health care problems, and work to create a bright contrast with federal efforts to shut down the lifelines and programs so many depend upon. California has been flirting with a version of Medicare for All on the state level for a decade. That effort should move ahead now. And Something bold needs to happen on the housing front to assure that everyone can afford a home of their own. We’re also the world’s sixth largest economy, so what we do on the climate front matters.
Sacramento:
Our city is famously good at missed opportunities. Promised projects never materialize, trash collects on city streets, and a wave of homelessness sweeps over the city, horrible for the folks on the street and degrading for the quality of life for all residents.
My fear: Nothing changes, or things get worse. Sacramento has done some great things, but the downtown area in particular has sunk back into despair, a combination of high parking rights (thank to the new Kings arena costs), homelessness, and crime.
My hope: We have a new Mayor – Kevin McCarty (no, not McCarthy). He was an effective state representative and a centrist, which can be a dirty word, but we’ve had little luck with the progressives here who promised to make homelessness their primary issue but then failed to make a dent in the issue. Maybe he can finally make a difference, especially with all his governmental ties.
Mark & Me:
I have been looking for a job for fourteen months. We missed our chance to buy a house, and instead have been renting the same place for ten years. Nothing ever changes, or if it does, it seems to get worse. And I’ve never had a true best seller.
My fear: More of the same, only worse. Housing prices climb. No one hires me. No one wants to read my books. (Yes, that’s my Imposter Syndrome speaking. Hello darkness my old friend…).
My hope: Things will get better. I will finally land a good job, something I can really sink my teeth into, and we’ll have a bit more stability. We’ll be able to get a house of our own again. And maybe, just maybe, one of the agents looking at the book I wrote with Kim Fielding will say yes.
I saw this cartoon the other day and it made me laugh (in that “I see you” kind of way):
Nobody knows what 2025 will bring, but I can guarantee you that while it won’t be all good (far from it!), it also won’t be all bad.
The best we can do is hold hands, keep hope in our hearts, and move into it together.