Calling All LGBTQ People: Join Our Video of New Year's Hopes

As the year comes to a close, we look back and reflect on the setbacks and successes of the LGBTQ community. It has been one of the deadliest years on record for the murder of trans people; queer people in Chechnya are still being persecuted; and the Trump administration has doubled on its attempts to erase and disenfranchise transgender people.

However, there has also been much to celebrate. A record number of LGBTQ candidates won public office in a rainbow wave that swept the nation. Queer representation on film and television has reached record visibility in the box office as well as the awards shows. Adam Rippon, Gus Kenworthy, and a host of out athletes won medals and changed hearts and minds on the world stage of the Olympics.

In order to counter the perception of fear and negativity that pervades media, the editors at The Advocate wish to focus on the positive and amplify the hopes, wishes, and dreams of our community in the upcoming year. That is why we hope to put together a video featuring you!

If you identify as a member of the LGBTQ community in any way (or choose to live label-free), we want to hear your New Years hopes.

What is a New Year's hope? It could be getting married, finding a new job, or fighting to end workplace discrimination nationwide. It could be impeachment, indictment, or interstellar space travel.

To participate in the video, please:

1. Film yourself using anything you have available (computer, phone, digital camera, etc.) listing a label you identify with and your hope for 2019:

"I am ____________. In 2019 I hope ________."

The ____________ can be how you identify on the gender/sexuality spectrum and/or any other way you wish to describe yourself: Mother, father, parent, brother, sister, sibling, friend, wife, husband, partner, teacher, construction worker, or any other identity that you experience.

2. Upload the video to our Google Drive submission form by 9 a.m. PST on Wednesday, Jan 2, 2019.

Please try to keep all videos under 100 MB if possible, in order to enable others to have the most space to upload their own videos. 720p or 1080p resolution at 24-30fps is preferred. If you aren't sure what settings your camera shoots, don't worry, just submit anyway. We look forward to seeing all your wonderful messages.

By uploading your message, please be aware that we will most likely be adding it to a video that will be shared across social media. We recognize that due to safety concerns, access to equipment, or other issues, not every transgender person has the ability to participate in this video. Please know that even if you choose not to or cannot participate for any reason, we still see you, support you, and will always fight alongside you.

Any questions? Please leave them below in the comments section.