I am proud to leave this community just a little bit stronger than it was when I arrived, proud to see your amazing leaders taking on new levels of responsibility and handling themselves with a remarkable amount of ease and fair, to see the community growing and to see each one of you participating in the building of the next 25 years of the LGBA.

But I leave you all with just one reminder - being a member of the LGB community is never easy - in fact it is more often than not a huge struggle. But I believe it is this struggle that joins us together. And, it is this struggle that enriches our lives and gives us the capacity to love in the face of hate. I know that many of you have heard me say this before - but bear with me - please always remember to love yourself first and then we can never fail. I love you all. Don't forget to keep in touch. Best wishes to seniors and perseverance to you all.

-- Michelle