For Ryan, For Claudia
There is nothing to comment on this week other than the tragic death of Ryan Thoresen Carson, deeply committed partner and soulmate of my good friend Claudia Morales. I have met Ryan on several memorable, happy occasions, and the love between these two people…potent. Special. Real. I am devastated at this loss, and have felt my belief in the goodness of others drained reading the vitriol orchestrated to mock Ryan’s death, and to accuse my Claudia of the most vile of wrongs.
From Krystal Nurse at USAToday:
“Carson worked at the New York Public Interest Research Group for nearly a decade, starting while he was studying at Pratt Institute, NYPIRG said in a statement Monday. He focused on community outreach and led the organization's campaign on modernizing New York state's bottle deposit law.
"Ryan was a beloved staffer, colleague and friend, and a creative, talented, relentless and upbeat advocate for students and the environment," NYPIRG said. "His engaging personality, hearty laugh and wide-ranging intelligence were keys to his success in advancing the causes he deeply cared about in his work and personal life."
According to Carson's LinkedIn page, Carson walked more than 300 miles across New York State in 2021 to call attention to the state's opioid crisis and the need for harm reduction after he lost a close friend to an overdose in 2016. That led him to create the No OD NY campaign in 2021, according to an announcement shared on YouTube.”
Here is a free copy of Ryan’s chapbook, Don’t Watch Me Dancing, and more of his poems here and here. You can read an interview about his writing here.
Here are some of Ryan’s television interviews regarding his work around recycling and waste management:
You can read about Ryan’s Bottle Bill campaign here.
To honor Ryan’s memory, I am sure that his family and loved ones would appreciate a donation to your local harm reduction coalition. You can also honor his spirit by taking even one walk instead of a drive this week, reading a poem, RECYCLING, and laughing - loudly.
Claudia, if you’re reading this, I just want to say one thing: I know how much he loved you.
My love to Alex, Ryan’s kind parents who broke my heart on Monday at his vigil, and his many many friends, colleagues, fellow organizers, and to the many strangers who were buoyed by his fierce, loving activism.
Love you all,
Tara