From the editor: a fresh start

Transition, change and the hope for the guiding light of inspiration: these are elements that drive us as humans. In the LGBT community we know we are instruments of change as we come together as a community with our diverse individual passions and devotions, to fight for what we believe in. To create a new vision.

For nearly a year now I’ve acted as managing editor for an LGBT publication that has been around since 1976, and have learned that without the community’s support we have nothing. As a community we are an amalgam of voices, we are the driving force of change, and each of us, regardless of platform, are creators of news and insight every day through our lifestyles, experiences and culture. We are all passionate leaders – movers and shakers who will continue on even through the uncertain times in the world and uncertain times in our lives.

35 years after its founding vision, Out Front Colorado is still here for the community. OFC has changed ownership with Publisher Jerry Cunningham, and with that comes new passion, fresh insight and a commitment to keep the publication alive and flourishing for the next 35 years and more. Now more than ever I’m inspired, to work for a publication that I believe can make OFC’s voice – your voice – a true partner for the LGBT community.

As the Executive Managing Editor I will fight to let our community’s voices be heard, and that mission leads us into a partnership aware of the diversity and difference that makes our community so special.

You will see many familiar faces in OFC as we head in this exciting new direction. Nic Garcia has become the associate publisher, charged with creating valuable partnerships while keeping our mission alive.

Sara Decker will thrive in her position driving our art department with her keen eye for flair and detail. Matthew Pizzuti has joined the editorial staff now as a full-time editor. Ryan Cross will help the organization nourish our valued business partners. Jay Klein and Greg Montoya remain as advisers to share their knowledge as former owners and stewards of OFC for more than two decades.

I am delighted to introduce an outstanding team of freelancers and columnists you will see throughout each issue, and excited to announce the addition of new columnist Maya Salam who writes her inaugural piece in our new column, ‘The Lebanese lesbian’ in this issue, offering her remarkable background and unique storytelling into the folds of OFC.

I am glad to introduce Jeff Swain, our new Editor-in-Chief and Creative Director and with a re-tasked team I’m excited to take the editorial team to new heights.

A phrase many of us have tossed around the office is that OFC has become “my baby.” It’s a serious responsibility heading our editorial team, and it’s a chance make OFC a showcase for the community’s vast and skilled writers and contributors.

I hope you read that last sentence closely – because I can’t do that alone. I need you, yes you, to continue to share with us your stories of passion, regret, vision and hope so that our community continues to win increasing understanding and acceptance for all walks of life.

The LGBT community is not only on the forefront of a political movement – we are also part of a driving force behind the culture of artistic expression.

We are the inspiration for open and diverse lifestyles. We gather at Charlie’s for Sunday drag shows – we’re folks who know how to kick back and have fun. We are cheering theatrical productions like Les Miserables – passionate advocates of the arts. We are the faces of bull riders and clowns in the gay rodeo – putting welcoming, open-minded twists on our American Western heritage. We get our fashion tips and new ensembles from local designers like Gino Velardi – yeah, we know how to look good while we work. We’re throwing our boxers and panties onstage at Grace Potter concerts (did I mention we know how to have fun?)

We cheer speeches from advocates like Judy Shepard and Nita Henry – our crowd is among the first to embrace a visionary. We are rallying, lobbying, and testifying under the gold dome of our state Capitol for civil unions, empowered to speak for ourselves. We are fetish connoisseurs sporting leather or latex – proud owners of human bodies that remind the world about pleasure and joy. Together we can move mountains, because LGBT voices in Colorado have a message not just for our community, not just for our state, but also for the world.

I ask you to join me in this journey. Because today we are the colorful faces and passions of a people who daily create the culture we love. At OFC we have the chance to make a fresh start. The next 35 years are yours. Together, the next 35 years are ours.