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Dear Reader,
Rhode Islanders are immensely fortunate to have an extraordinarily
vibrant LGBTQ community, and within it many subcommunities strengthened
by dedicated groups and nonprofits. In solidarity with their missions, Options
Magazine prides itself on gathering and sharing their stories in each issue, so
readers can learn of their offerings and needs, progress and setbacks, and find
how to engage them. While Options is the only place so many local LGBTQ
groups come together in print (e.g. Youth Pride Inc., p. 28; SAGE/RI, p. 26; TGI
Network, p. 22), Rhode Island Pride brings these subcommunities together in the
flesh at the community’s pinnacle celebration on June 15: RI PrideFest (p. 12).
Each year, RI PrideFest grows in attendance as LGBTQ people, and those who
love and increasingly accept them, gather in downtown Providence to celebrate
their pride in queer culture and identity. You’ll find that the events leading up to
Pride are especially impressive this year (p. 8). In addition to the traditional flag
raising, variety show, bingo, volunteer orientations, concert, and Parade, the Pride
committee has held trans and POC-specific listening sessions, yoga classes, and
workshops on being out at work and decorating your parade contingent. There
are even four month-long art exhibits. Congratulations to the Pride committee
on what is shaping up to be a particularly fantastic Pride season.
The theme of the 44th annual RI Pride celebration – “Live Your Truth” – not
only encourages us to be authentic, but comes at a time when the value of truth
is daily undermined by a president who, according to The Washington Post Fact
Checker, has made well over 10,000 false or misleading claims while in office.
When we share the truth of who we are, we’re saying that it’s ok that we’re
different, it’s ok to admit flaws, and, in fact, it’s imperative.
2019 marks the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall
riots in New York City, and I’m thrilled to welcome back
writer Bradford Greer to reminisce about the events
that sparked the modern gay rights movement (p. 14).
RI PrideFest will honor this historic civil rights moment
at its Pride Rally on the main stage of PrideFest at 3pm.
And finally, we’d like to thank Options Intern Charlotte
Abotsi, who last semester wrote, edited, researched, and
explored online possibilities for our magazine. Charlotte
graduated from Rhode Island College in May. That’s
certainly something to be proud of!
In solidarity,
We want to hear from you.
Send letters to editor@optionsri.org.
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