The Work of Change through AR/AO
As BurlyCon continues to examine its structures, values, and responsibilities, this letter offers both context and direction for the work ahead. Chair of AR/AO, Queerly Femmetastic, shares their background, qualifications, and approach to leadership while naming the realities that shape this moment.
Queerly’s words speak candidly to the labor of change and the necessity of accountability. They also address the collective effort required to build an organization capable not only of growth, but of integrity.
Leading Change with Purpose
Where professional qualifications are often weaponized to keep Black women out of leadership positions, I feel it is important to share my skillsets for this role from the outset as BurlyCon’s AR/AO Chair.
I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology from one of the top 10 private universities in the US. I also have a master’s degree in nonprofit management and organizational development. My master’s program focused specifically on diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice change management practices.
I’ve worked with companies like Google, Netflix, and the NAACP, as well as many smaller tech organizations, nonprofits, and academic spaces. My work has focused on building inclusive and equitable policies and practices.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
- Large-scale organizational change takes time. Systemic oppression was not built in a day, and we cannot fix everything overnight. Please be patient while I assess the current state of BurlyCon. I will work with leadership to build a plan for what comes next.
- The other committee chairs, volunteers, board members, and I are not your punching bags. All of your feelings deserve to be felt, but your reactions are your responsibility. Take the time to process those emotions, and then present us with clear, concise, and actionable feedback so that we can use it to rectify past wrongs and improve this organization.
- Martin Luther King Jr. said, “The moral arc of the universe bends towards justice.” I disagree. For a long time, I assumed it simply bent towards chaos because physics. But recently, a quote summed up my thoughts in a way that more closely aligns with how I see the world. Dr. Megan Pamela Ruth Madison said, “The arc of the moral universe bends towards those who organize most effectively.” We have just seen an important example of what effective organizing can win you with the recent election. My role is not to change hearts and minds, but to help BurlyCon become more effective so that we don’t have to just survive but thrive.
If you are interested in joining the anti-racism anti-oppression committee as a volunteer and have experience in change management, organizational development, corporate DEI, and/or grassroots coalition building, please email [email protected].
Live long and prosper!
Moving Forward Together
Change takes time, but it also takes action. BurlyCon is committed to doing the work required to examine our practices, listen to feedback, and build stronger systems for the future.
That work requires participation from all of us. It means asking questions, sharing ideas, listening with care, and staying engaged as the organization moves forward.
This is ongoing work. There will be opportunities to learn, contribute, and help shape what comes next.
If you have experience or perspective that can support this work, we invite you to get involved.
