Whether it’s “Look how far we’ve come,” or “At least it’s over,” you’re right. The queer year is gone, and 2018 is sprawled out before LGBTQ Atlanta like the proverbial land of opportunity. Q magazine is here for it.

But first, we party. Well, some of us do. And plan. Well, many of us do. This issue does some of both to participate in a 2018 for which we can all be proud. The good news is that we control our own destiny, and this issue is dedicated to each and all of us making it a good one.

For those looking to ring in the New Year and say good riddance to the old one with hundreds of your closest friends, the Queer Agenda calendar dedicates itself entirely to Sunday night’s events. No matter your scene or favorite hangout, there’s a party for you with champagne toasts, guest stars, money drops and more.

In our People profile this week, meet La Choloteca, the queer inclusive party crew. One of 2017’s biggest queer success stories, they quickly outgrew Star Bar, and moved to MJQ for capacity crowds. It’s little wonder that they’re now set to bring the most original mix of music and magic to New Year’s Eve. Check out our interviews to get in on their Latinx reign.

After the big night, there we sit with our big dreams and plans. On the morning of the 1st, you’re still you, and we’re all still here. Things are going to be different this year, we say. We tell ourselves that more queers will come around to put the unity in community. As individuals, we are going to be better in myriad ways.

As you look out across the wide open calendar, Q offers a reality check. First, one Voices column looks at what each we can do personally. Another puts out a community wide call for a commitment to intersectionality that finally and once and for all acknowledges that racial equality equals queer justice.

In our features section, we offer real resolutions you can totally keep in 2018 without setting yourself up for failure. Then, you being you and making lofty goals anyway, we investigate 8 simple rules for those of you with humongous ambitions in front of you to actually achieve them.

It’s a unique time of year. We imagine New Year’s Eve like the front-seat perspective of both rear-view mirror and the road through the windshield. Whatever’s ahead and whatever’s behind, at least we’re in the driver’s seat.

Reach Q publisher and editor Mike Fleming at [email protected]. Read the Dec. 28 issue of Q magazine below.