A Message from OUT FRONT

Pride 2020 has seen an unprecedented number of changes unlike any other year the team has been covering the queer festivities. Amid the COVID-19 crisis that has impacted the world and caused all large gathering events, like Pride, to go virtual, we are amid the largest social justice movement in history. OUT FRONT stands with Black Lives Matter, and we can recall that Pride began as a riot, it takes action and stamina in order to cause major and lasting changes. We are witnessing a vital time in both grief and growth, and this edition we wanted to take a moment and reflect on an individual basis what the team here at the second longest-running LGBTQ publication in the nation is thinking, feeling, and supporting.

We stand strong, we stand proud, we stand with all of our diverse, marginalized family members.

“My heart is broken, but I believe we can take this momentum and do something good. The first Pride was a protest, and this year, we’re just getting back to our roots. OUT FRONT stands with Black Lives Matter and will continue to fight for equality all year long.”

-Addison Herron-Wheeler, editor

 

“This movement requires more from us as allies than just a black Instagram tile. We must be committed to creating long-standing change. While social media solidarity is a great way to start, we have to keep pressing forward together, register to vote, sign petitions, and say their names.”

-Kelsey Elgie Domier, marketing executive

“An inability to listen has helped to lead us to where the world is as a whole. More voices banding together helps to create the change we need to see! Ignoring the voices that need to be heard will go on no longer. They will listen.We will all see to that. We will work for the equality we ALL deserve! Let’s remind them Liberty and Justice for All did not mean a select few.”

-Quincey B. Roisum, marketing executive

“With each new year comes a new chance of creating new standards and expectations. I think all of us entered 2020 hoping for the best — instead we were met with some of the worst and most difficult challenges that many of us have ever faced. While we no doubt have a long way to go, I feel inspired and motivated to continue working towards a lasting change for good. I’m honored to create and move alongside so many incredible people who are leading the way every single day. I’ve never felt more confident that good will prevail.”

-Kayte Demont, marketing executive

“While this has been one of the most difficult years many of us have ever experienced, as marginalized and ostracised communities, this is not the first time we have needed to rise above social injustice and political assault. We are in this fight for human equity and justice together, and while we are unable to celebrate Pride in person, we will continue to take to the streets and rally for long-lasting change that has taken far too long.”

-Veronica Holyfield, creative director

“I have been disheartened that the injustice has gone on for so long, and I truly hope this time we all can make a difference! Together we will rise! Keep up the good fight!”

-Maggie Phillips, director of operations

“Even though this year has been challenging on so many fronts, I am so encouraged seeing millions of voices rise up to call for meaningful change. I’m inspired by the peaceful, persistent protests that have driven this conversation forward, and I have so much hope for the future despite the darkness of the year. We will get through this struggle together!”

-Ben Young, director of sales and marketing