My resignation letter (TRP indefinite hiatus)

[Original distribution date: January 14, 2025] 

Effective immediately, I am resigning as Creative Director of Team Rayceen Productions. Since there is nobody who is willing, ready, or able to be my successor, I must also announce that the current Winter Hiatus of Team Rayceen Productions will continue indefinitely.

The primary motivation for my resignation happening now is the incoming kakistocracy and the precarious state of our nation. I am all but certain that the next four years and beyond will be chaotic, and possibly dystopian or apocalyptic. This is not the time for diplomacy, compromise, or capitulation. I understand that advocating for peaceful and nonviolent solutions is generally considered the only acceptable tactic; I am unwilling to abide. 

Below is a more detailed explanation of my resignation.

Firstly, out of deference to Rayceen Pendarvis and what we have accomplished during the past decade of Team Rayceen Productions, I realize that it would be unfair to allow my personal and political views to be conflated with those of anyone else, including our co-hosts, volunteers, and Rayceen Pendarvis. This requires my resignation. I am unwilling to be silent or censor myself. I anticipate many elected officials and other leaders will soon vie for favors and opportunities from despicable people; I refuse to refrain from denouncing hypocrisy and demagoguery or criticizing those who acquiesce, degrade themselves, or reveal themselves to lack integrity. I refuse to contribute to the normalization of undignified people and those with morally repugnant behavior in leadership positions. Furthermore, I have no interest in planning events where I or our partners are making creative decisions based on fears of retribution from the administration or political party in power. 

Secondly, I am unable to adequately fulfill the mission of Team Rayceen Productions to entertain, inform, educate and inspire. Team Rayceen is for the people, for all people, and as much as I understand that bigotry and misogyny has always been ubiquitous, the recent election cycle has made me far too cynical and suspicious to be inclusive. I also am unsure how I can ethically use social media going forward, since what are currently the most popular platforms are owned and run by unethical men. 

Thirdly, I have serious concerns regarding World Pride DC. As much as I want Rayceen Pendarvis, Empress of Pride, to participate, there is little incentive for Team Rayceen Productions to be involved. I have had numerous trepidations about the planning for this event since it was announced in November 2022 and they have yet to be assuaged. I am all but certain that there will be a lack of diversity and that performers based in DC will be marginalized and reap minimal benefits. I also suspect that LGBTQ performers are not being prioritized. Most importantly, regardless of what is planned, I cannot in good conscience encourage people from all over the world to spend their money and use their resources to be in DC this summer. Even if DC Home Rule remains, I think encouraging LGBTQ people to come to the United States in the immediate future is irresponsible. Considering the xenophobic hostility that many people in the US have towards immigrants and anyone perceived as not being a US citizen, international travelers should be wary. In addition to that, the ruling party is determined to vilify and disrespect transgender people. Perhaps there are contingency plans and other preparations of which I have not been made aware, but I remain trepidatious. I have never had an expectation that my recommendations or advice would be heeded, but I feel a sense of alarm regarding the lack of preparation, the flawed Capital Pride Honors nominations process, the refusal to adjust protocol, and the absence of hardly any substantial announcements barely four months away from what is purported to be an international event and not the typical annual Capital Pride celebration. 

On a more personal note, these past two years of Team Rayceen Productions have been extremely difficult, marred by miscommunication, deception, conflict, bickering, betrayal, failure, and disappointment. The work has always been challenging, but recently much of it became futile, otiose, and unfulfilling. I appreciate the efforts of our volunteers and co-hosts, but not everyone has been able to adapt or advance. Also, for all my sacrifice, I have received scant acknowledgement or recognition, which has also been the case for Team Rayceen Productions. We have been and continue to be inexplicably excluded from numerous events and projects, while less capable organizations are consistently included and receive accolades. As for the lack of appreciation for the sacrifices that I have made over the past ten years, it has been frustrating and demoralizing. I take solace in knowing all that I have accomplished and that I put in as much effort as I could. 

I started Team Rayceen in 2014 with the ambition to soon pass along leadership to someone else and transition into the role of an advisor, and perhaps sporadically help with administrative duties. That someone never materialized. Most people came and went, and others became toxic and detrimental to our organization. Often, it has only been Rayceen Pendarvis and me, and while we work well together, the burden is too much for two people, especially with so much of it becoming mine. 

I have led Team Rayceen for ten years and ten months. Moving forward, I anticipate spending much less time on social media and minimal time in Zoom meetings. I may be involved with community and causes in a limited capacity, but on my own terms. I will continue to advise Rayceen Pendarvis and support whatever Rayceen does in the future. 

Team Rayceen Productions might be amongst the first organizations to pause, fade away, disperse, or cease operations as a result of the incoming administration, but I am certain it will not be the last. For the sake of all of us, and especially younger and future generations, I hope that the citizens of the United States of America will continue to resist and fight for freedom by any means necessary. 

Sincerely,

Zar

Founder, Team Rayceen Productions