It’s a new year. Day 4 to be exact and as we all come down from the euphoria of being out of 2020 the reality of 2021 settles in like a blanket of dust, unseen. Usually the coming of the new year feels like a reset of time. We can forget that crummy year before and focus on the new opportunities a fresh new year brings, but this new year is unlike any other. The pandemic continues to ravage the US and the uncertainty of last year has carried itself over into this one. Unlike this time last year, we are all well aware of the virus, how to stop the spread, and have in most cases more access to testing. We also have a VACCINE. This is absolutely better than last year when we were spreading the virus around like a guitar at a DMB bon fire. We sang along but wreaked of campfire and regretted it later. I’m just kidding I love Dave Matthews… and fire. 

Anyway, what I mean to say is although the future is murky at best, there are some things to look forward to this year. Some things I’m looking forward to this year? I thought you’d never ask…

1. INAUGURATION

Hell yes. Out with the old (raggedy clowns) and in with the new. Knowing the new administration, they won’t be hosting a huge super spreader event that would’ve most certainly eclipsed the pitiful turnout of last inauguration. Unfortunately, we won’t know how profoundly embarrassing the comparison would’ve been. Fortunately, it will still be so relieving, cathartic even, to see people who actually care about other humans enter into the White House. We’re all eager to see the changes they’re going to make, including a redesign of the Rose Garden. Mel came in there and made it look like her soul.    

2. VACCINE

Yes, some people have been equating the vaccine to the inception of the zombie apocalypse, but I’m going to be hopeful this is what turns the tide and gets us closer to being able to freely travel and hug again. The vaccine has opened up a lot of very understandable wounds within the black community, though. I just want to note that I will not be apart of the group of people demonizing black folks who don’t feel comfortable taking the vaccine right now. Not wanting to take the vaccine is complicated for some people and for some reason people are conflating these feelings with anti-vaccers who are just dummies.
Black people are especially wary of the vaccine because this country has a lengthy history with experimenting on us, not treating us with respect in doctor’s offices, and ignoring our pain in some situations that has lead to death. I’ll be taking the vaccine when I feel comfortable enough to do so, but I don’t know when that will even be. 

3. POTENTIAL JAIL TIME FOR TRUMP ADMINISTRATION

If there is a heavenly spirit, please let that force put all these psychos in jail where they belong. Trump’s been going on quite the pardoning spree. I’m sure it’s not over yet, but who’s gonna pardon him? Luckily, there are potential charges against him that would be impervious to pardons (like an impeachment hearing for what he tried to pull with Georgia), so we can maybe see him face fines or better yet, jail time. May he and many of his administration be held accountable for their disgrace to the presidency and the US. Fingers crossed!

While we celebrate the hopefulness of the vaccine, the election of a new president and vice president, we also lament what it took to get us here and the enormity of everything we’ve lost and continue to lose in a country who cannot face its history and myriad mistakes. There’s a lot to be hopeful for, but we cannot forget that this entire pandemic was exacerbated by leaders knowingly putting others in danger, downplaying the severity of the virus, and suggesting herd immunity as a real tactic to curb the pandemic. The Trump administration didn’t do nearly enough while the virus took THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTY THOUSAND PLUS (352,000+) people and counting. People who had families, friends, and lives that were sacrificed because this country couldn’t put together a succinct plan to shut down businesses. They refused to give livable amounts of money to its citizens and occupants due to callousness, greed, and incompetence. Just like 9/11, we will never forget this year. This year that has traumatized millions and continues to negatively impact lives, minds, and personal finances. Thankfully, the bill got passed that will stave off evictions for now, and hopefully that was just the beginning. We’re all holding our breath for Georgia to flip the senate and truly hoping this year overall will offset some of the pessimism that has grown in us all. Here’s to 2021. As RuPaul would say, (2021) Don’t f**k it Up.