Over the past few weeks, several events have transpired that bring to mind one word: change. We have a new president-elect who has inspired many of us to make changes within ourselves and in our country – “change we can believe in.”

We have shifted another portion of our country’s political climate by electing a majority of Democrats to the House of Representatives and the Senate. And even after losing the battle against Proposition 8, a California ban on same-sex marriage, we have not wavered in our perseverance to fight the war for equality.

All of these events show me that change is all around us and even in the face of adversity, we ultimately have the power to exact positive change in our lives.

As Harry S. Truman once said, “Men make history, and not the other way around. In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.”

The passing of Proposition 8 was a major blow to our community, and a turn of events that I sincerely did not expect. I was left with an overwhelming sense of sadness, betrayal, anger and pain. But in the weeks since Nov. 4, I have also been given a renewed sense of direction, strength, and hope.

I see new direction because of the quick and firm response of our community and GLBT organizations to band together in protest of discriminatory legislation. I feel strength when I look at the massive numbers of people who marched across this country in support of equality; especially when reflecting on my march to the County Administration Building alongside an estimated 25,000 friends and neighbors on Nov. 15. And I have hope knowing the California Supreme Court has agreed to hear three lawsuits seeking to invalidate Proposition 8, and will ultimately uphold the notion that “separate is not equal,” thereby striking the proposition down.

Along with this empowerment of hope, I believe no matter the outcome, we are still people “born free and equal in dignity and rights … endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood,” as set forth in Article I of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Joe Solmonese, the president of the Human Rights Campaign, said it best in one of his recent op-ed pieces:

“It is not the end. Fifty-two percent of the voters of California voted to deny us our equality on [Nov. 4], but they did not vote our families or the power of our love out of existence; they did not vote us away.

“As free and equal human beings, we were born with the right to equal families. The courts did not give us this right – they simply recognized it. And although California has ceased to grant us marriage licenses, our rights are not subject to anyone’s approval. We will keep fighting for them. They are as real and as enduring as the love that moves us to form families in the first place. There are many roads to marriage equality, and no single roadblock will prevent us from ultimately getting there.”

If you still want to get in on the action, call in “gay” to work on Dec. 10 (International Human Rights Day) during a “Day Without a Gay.” This day is meant to prove GLBT people and their allies can stand together in protest of hateful legislation, and show America and the world how we love. On this day, donate your time to a variety of different causes or worthy nonprofits. If you can’t miss work, you can still spread the message and help yourself and others seek out volunteer opportunities on this day and in the months to come. For more information, visit www.gaylesbaintimes.com/links/1092.

This time of year has not only brought about change in our political atmosphere, but I have witnessed personal transition as well. Maybe it’s the change in season or the anticipation of ending one calendar year and beginning another, but I always find myself contemplating what changes have occurred in my life and what is to come.

So I was completely surprised when I saw these feelings of change exemplified in the Museum of Art’s current exhibition, “Kimono as Art: The Landscapes of Itchiku Kubota” (in collaboration with the Timken Museum of Art).

“Kimono as Art” features 40 of Kubota’s 8-foot tall kimono (meant for exhibition, rather than wearing) from his Mt. Fuji series, depicting Japan’s most famous mountain, and Symphony of Light, the centerpiece of his career.

Partially inspired by some of the great Impressionistic artists, which is evidenced by his attention to the emphasis of light in its changing qualities and vast array of colors, Kubota used traditional techniques and personal invention to produce his masterpieces of shimmering and abstract landscapes, fully detailed through a complex laying of dyes, inks, and embroidery.

Kubota’s Symphony of Light, a panoramic installation of 30 kimono placed side by side depicting the changing season of fall to winter, is simply breathtaking. The fine craftsmanship, colors, and details are nothing less than superb.

The exhibition runs through Jan. 4 and has seldom been seen out of Japan, so be sure to check it out before it leaves from its limited U.S. engagement.

Most of us are well aware of December Nights and attend every year, but for those not in-the-know, December Nights returns to Balboa Park on Dec. 5 from 5-10 p.m. and Dec. 6 from noon to 10 p.m.

Participating museums are open free of charge from 5-9 p.m. on both evenings, and there are a plethora of activities, entertainment, and food and drink to kick-start everyone’s holiday spirit.

Last year, I was able to enjoy a part of the festivities before I had to call it quits because of the torrential rain (seriously, it was torrential – cross your fingers this doesn’t happen again). I was drenched from head to toe, but I was able to warm up at the Tractor Room with the best mac ‘n’ cheese and mashed potatoes and gravy I have ever had. No joke – it’s delish.

As I have seen in the past few weeks, change can be welcome and momentous, and it can also be disappointing and heartbreaking. Whether it is political or personal, change is constant but how we adapt and advance from that is what makes us who we are or what we will become.

“Life is change. Growth is optional. Choose wisely.”