September 7, 2001: A City in Recovery

[I borrowed from some of my other writing to write the following article for "Clean & Queer," the newsletter for SpeakOUT! Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Voices for Recovery.]

SpeakOUT held our 2001 Recovery Month event on Saturday, September 29. Like many other organizations, we questioned whether or not we should go ahead with our scheduled events after September 11, and if so, whether and how we should modify them. We decided to proceed, in part because the theme of Recovery Month was "We Recover Together: Friends, Family and Community" and in part because we knew the need people felt to come together.

Since September 11, 2001, everyone in New York City is talking about "recovery," many for the first time. What does it mean to be living in a whole city that's in recovery? As a person in recovery, what can I bring to my colleagues, neighbors, and communities? What can I learn from community responses to recovery needs? I've observed in myself how my previous experiences have helped me cope with my reactions.

Through nine years of volunteer work with the Anti-Violence Project, my own recovery from childhood sexual abuse, and the privilege of sharing with others their recovery, I've learned about violence and trauma and reactions to them, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). From twenty-three years in New York City surrounded by death from AIDS, suicide, and overdose, and the slow deaths of addiction and abuse, I've learned how to grieve. From nearly twelve years of recovery from sexual abuse and dependence on alcohol and other drugs, I've learned that I can't do it alone, I don't have to do it alone, and I don't want to do it alone.

At all times, and especially now in New York City, people in recovery have much to offer our loved ones, neighbors and communities. We know what it's like to be powerless, to feel hopeless. We know that healing is possible. We know the healing power of community. We know the rewards of giving back. We know the gifts of recovery.