2017 Pride Issue - Words From The Publisher

I’ve always thought, with my experience in the LGBTQ community, that I would handle particular situations like a boss. The day my oldest son came out to me last year, I used a phrase that I quickly regretted. I said, “Are you sure?”

I realized what I said (during the longest three seconds of my life) and then followed with the phrase I should have started with, which was, “I love you unconditionally.” All and all, the experience ended with a hug and my son knowing that I loved him no matter what. These conversations happen every day in this country, and the results of many are not as positive as mine and my son’s turned out to be. For those conversations that end with anything less than loving acceptance, it is important that our youth have safety nets when there is no support system to turn to.

In this year’s issue, we talk about TeeN’MPower and what they are doing to keep LGBTQ youth safe. We take a look at this year’s Models of Hope honorees that our youth can look up to. Cleve Jones, an activist still going strong, shares what this generation can do to help the next, and Gigi Gorgeous’ new movie, This is Everything, tells the story of a young woman who struggles to find her true self and how she comes through the other side.

As you celebrate Pride this year, think of our youth. Are you showing them reasons they should be celebrating? Remember that we are the change we want to see in the world, and today’s youth need to see strong examples of that change. Happy Pride!

---