Editor’s Column: January 2025

Welp y’all, a new year is here, and I don’t blame you if you don’t feel all that optimistic. I’m not going to sugar-coat anything. We’re headed into another Trump presidency era, and things are looking pretty bleak politically. We all knew that prices wouldn’t actually be lower with Trump in office, and it looks like the tariffs are going to make them even higher. And all that is really scary, and really sucks.

But if you will indulge me for a moment, I would like to look on the bright side. If you’re reading this, we are, quite literally, still here and still queer. Against all odds, OFM is still here. Did you ever read the children’s book The Little House? That’s OFM—The world is building up around us, and most of the other small, independent media or queer media is gone, but we’re still here. And if you’re reading this in Colorado, not only are you still here, you’re lucky to live in a state where a lot of your rights are protected.

And that’s our pledge to you: We’re going to remain here, as a resource, despite the forces that want to see our community fail. And you’re going to stick around too, and help us do it. If that seems daunting to you, don’t despair. We have some predictions, advice, and feel-good articles about positive forces in the world to help you get off on the right foot.

And if you’re worried about venturing out into a hostile world? We get it, and that’s why we’ve also developed The Equity Pages, a resource for finding inclusive businesses that you can safely and happily give your business to.

So yes, buckle up, it’s going to be a bumpy year ahead. But we’re all here, and we’ve got this. We’ve got each other, and you have OFM. Let’s make this a great year, despite the odds, together.

–Addison Herron-Wheeler 

Photo courtesy of Chloe Catajan