Hello beautiful people and Happy Holidays!!

As we enjoy the last weekend preparations before Christmas and Hanukkah, I thought this was the perfect time to check in with all of you and celebrate all of our Families, including the ones we choose. However you choose to celebrate, it is a transformative time of the year.

I know the old wisecracks, like how families put the “Fun” in Dysfunctional and the nerves and emotions that can pop up as we gather for traditional family events.

I, like many of you, have emotional baggage to spare, yet, somehow, this period always brings moments of clarity, joy, and laughter.

It has been an interesting journey to arrive at Holiday 2024 filled with optimism and anticipation.

I am in the healthiest relationship of my life, and I look forward to special times with my “in-laws” and extended friend family I have gathered with Joe.   

I made a special trip to Phoenix this week to be with my Mom and Sister and Brother-in-Law. Travel can be challenging this time of year, but I cherish the times I get with them and shared memories and stories. 

I know our LGBTQ+ Community is under a tremendous amount of stress currently.   I share in the anger, frustration, fear, and insecurities that are arising daily as we enter 2025 and the Administration change. As I have written before, I have doubled my efforts in my self-care routines, including an inventory check on my mental health resources.  I have ensured I am connecting with friends, colleagues, and family to let everyone know they are not ALONE. 

I had the pleasure of talking with Jonathan H. Westover recapping my experience at a recent Retreat talking about Corporate DEI Initiatives. A lot of organizations are feeling pressure, the need to retreat, how do we move forward and adapt to continue DEI.

Listen to the Webinar here 🔗

I chose our featured leader in this issue for a variety of reasons.

First, she is my sister, my oldest friend, my constant truth teller, and my story keeper.

I have laughed, loved, cried, screamed, and danced with her for over 55 years.

Second, it is her birthday this week!  Love my sagittarius sister. 

Third, she married extremely well to a kind and patient man that knew he would have to share any offspring with an intrusive Guncle. 

Next, she has a fascinating job. So fascinating, I barely understand what she does, but I am so proud of her career and the calculated risks she has taken on her path.

Finally, she is an authentic person and true ally to our Community. 

Jill O’Connor is the Vice-President of Sales at Simbe Robotics. 

She joined this exciting initiative earlier this year, after a successful run in GPG powerhouses like General Mills, Daily Harvest, and the Just company.   

She now leads the efforts to leverage AI and Data Science through onsite robots ( named Tally) in key retailers focused on inventory and category management, and replenishment

Her first jobs out of college were Enterprise Rent-a-Car and store management at BabyGap, so we share some Gap DNA. 

She is a passionate advocate for healthy and mindful eating and a passionate pilates participant.

Jill is a devoted wife and mother. She gave me my 2 greatest gifts, Katie and Sammie.

She is our Mom’s primary caregiver and keeps me sane as we navigate the realities of dementia and aging. 

Jill was the first family member who learned my authentic truth. She held that secret until I was ready to go farther in my story.

It was not easy, but she has supported me for a long time, even in the face of family strife.

Simply put, I cannot imagine my life without her.  I truly believe her magic, humor, and unconditional love have saved me several times.     She helped put me together again after the divorce, and is my fierce and loyal protector.

Everyone should have a Jill. 

🔗 Groundbreaking of the American LGBTQ+ Museum

“There has never been a better time to share our story as the community engages in much-needed soul-searching. It will also ensure future generations understand that LGBTQ+ people have always been part of the American story and hopefully remind some in our community of the huge debt they owe to those who came before them. History shapes progress, and in this moment— when we see erasure and backlash reemerging—spaces like this are vital for anchoring our community in truth, resilience, and pride.”

🔗 I am a new member of FAMM - a hub for LGBTQ+ services, brands, and more

I admire the passion and vision of the founders and their commitment to creating innovative and safe spaces for all of us! Cat Perez and Marianna Di Regolo realized how difficult it is for historically marginalized people to gain attention in the marketplace and I am honored to join their efforts.

🔗 Continuing the Work of DEI, No Matter What Your Company Calls it 

“After a year of anti-diversity activism, the final months of 2024 have raised new questions about the future of corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The incoming presidential administration has called dismantling DEI programs a day-one priority. Activists have filed dozens of lawsuits targeting DEI programs. A new “anti-woke” investment fund has launched with the goal of targeting companies with high-visibility DEI initiatives.”

🔗 Only 0.16% of all US charitable giving supports LGBTQ+ groups despite recent increases.

“In an era marked by both significant advances and setbacks for LGBTQ+ people, charitable giving to LGBTQ+ organizations more than doubled in a recent 10-year period.

Despite that swift growth, those donations still amount to only 0.16% of total U.S. charitable contributions, according to the latest edition of the LGTBQ+…”

Here is my Holiday Edition positive affirmation mantra/routine. I encourage you all to do some version of this daily.

• You are doing exactly what you are supposed to be doing right now

• Your greatest gifts are when you share your magic with others

• Treat yourself to some seasonal favorites, like Egg Nog and Peppermint Mochas

• Breathe

• Keep Smiling!

I wish you and your families a wonderful holiday season. See you in 2025.

With Peace and Joy, Jim