Options Taps Former Elected Official, Gil Pontes, To Lead Advertising And Development

The Board of Directors of Options Magazine tapped Gil Pontes to serve as the organization's advertising and development manager to ensure Options has the funds needed to succeed. This is the first time development has been a direct part of the advertising role.

Gil Pontes brings to Options a wealth of development and political experience. At 20, Pontes won his first election running for Berkley, MA selectman –– making him the youngest and first out Queer elected official in the town’s 286-year history. Pontes raised tens of thousands of dollars for his campaign and other political endeavors. As a selectman, he managed a town budget of $20 million.

Pontes stated “I am so excited to help Options Magazine grow and thrive. Providence and Rhode Island have a rich Queer and Trans history that deserves to be told. I know how important it is for Options to tell the stories of working-class Queer Rhode Islanders and advocate for our entire community. To do that, it is crucial we continue to grow Options, engage with our readers, be a resource for the community, and support local LGBTQ advocacy.”

Pontes joins Options Magazine just weeks after the magazine announced a new editor-in-chief as the organization prepares for the post-pandemic era. In fact, while Options has had advertising managers in the past, Pontes will be the first to officially take on advertising and development. This expanded role gives Options the ability to prepare to grow as Rhode Island’s Queer community steps back into the world after almost two years of a terrible pandemic.

Pontes added: “It is so important that we put Options on track for strong growth. We have an important role in reporting on the issues facing LGBTQ Rhode Islanders and telling our community’s story. Rhode Island’s LGBTQ community faces higher rates of food insecurity, homelessness, and poverty. We must put a spotlight on these stories and struggles of our multi-racial, working-class, Queer, and Trans lives. In a world where a good resource can be hard to find, I want our readers to know that Options will always be a resource they can turn to. That is our mission, and I’m glad to roll up my sleeves and work on growing our organization as a resource for our local Queer community.”

To reach out to Options Magazine about advertising and development opportunities, please email Gil Pontes at avertising@optionsri.org.