editor’s letter
We, in the LGBT community, are a self-critical bunch. One of our community’s distinguishing characteristics is that we struggle – a lot – with each other and ourselves. There’s a reason for that.
The year’s end closes with a chill that strikes our bones through below-freezing temperatures and snow-dusted building tops, but also a momentous strength to continue pushing forward. As we hunker down for the winter ahead, we become aware of our successes over the past year. It’s certain, now, perhaps more than ever, that everything moves in cycles – and though we have much to be thankful for, our vision keeps us looking ahead. As the celebratory holiday season consumes us, we now have the chance to take a break from the anger and anxiety of political fights, and submit to peace and celebration as we reflect about the past year with gratitude and an enduring sense of inspiration and passion. The year’s end marks a field of milestones as we are filled with a sense of hope and celebration in successes.
I left Catholicism carrying something resembling post-traumatic stress disorder. A sick feeling arose in my stomach whenever I came face-to-face with the rituals and traditions that had once meant so much to me. I think this is a common experience, though not as much as it was for gay Catholics 50 years ago.
Yet the emotions and sentiments of the holiday season warrant different gut reactions for each individual. Alongside the sugary treats, eggnog, hot buttered rum, candied popcorn and pumpkin spice candles that give our senses a sweetness overload, there can also be a tinge of bittersweet melancholia weaving in to the winter season.
The last months have revealed deep devisions, but there’s one thing all sides can universally agree is a good thing: Love.
Though I yearn to re-discover my grassroots activist self – put on the back-burner by Out Front’s decision to focus on multiple perspectives – I know through the conversations we have that we’re still connected to the grassroots. Your grassroots. Democrat or Republican. Religious or nonreligious. Christian or Buddhist. Straight ally or gay. Trans or cisgendered. We are a platform for our whole community.
Out Front is honoring individuals who use their lives – and whatever positions they entail – to be change agents, speaking for justice, community and the betterment of others.
Sometimes we think that because we as LGBT folks are a minority group, facing day-to-day factors that require us to face prejudice or “come out” all over again in every new setting, that we don’t carry our own prejudices – internalized homophobia, racism, sexism, or other unfair judgments toward ourselves and others. That we don’t have our own blind spots to social advantages we did not earn. We should know better, right?
In today’s pop culture there’s a generous playbook on how to keep up with the latest trends. From the magazines lining the local 7-Elevens and grocery store aisles to makeover reality TV shows, we gather what’s in and what’s not so in according to the big screen celebs and entertainers.
Who are we when it comes to the platform we provide the community – when it comes to sex?
