Dear Readers,
As we embark on this vibrant journey through the pages of our Pride Issue for June 2024, I am filled with immense gratitude and pride. It is with great pleasure that I extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for joining us in celebrating love, diversity, and resilience.
This year’s Pride Issue holds a special place in our hearts, and I want to take a moment to express my deepest appreciation for the outstanding contributions of our talented team and the unwavering support of our readers. Together, we have crafted a tapestry of stories that reflect the rich tapestry of the LGBTQ+ community, amplifying voices that deserve to be heard and stories that deserve to be told.
In particular, I would like to extend a special thank you to the authors, photographers, and interviewees who made our cover story, “Island House Key West,” a captivating and inspiring read. This feature shines a spotlight on a sanctuary of acceptance and liberation, where individuals can embrace their true selves without fear or hesitation. Through their narratives, we are reminded of the importance of safe spaces and the transformative power of community.
Moreover, I am deeply grateful for the courage and vulnerability of those who shared their personal journeys within these pages. Each story serves as a testament to the resilience and strength of the LGBTQ+ community, challenging stereotypes and breaking down barriers with every word and image.
As we continue to navigate the complexities of the world around us, let us hold onto the spirit of Pride that unites us in solidarity and love. Let us honor those who paved the way for our progress and reaffirm our commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
In closing, I want to express my profound gratitude to our readers for your ongoing support and engagement. Your enthusiasm fuels our passion and drives us to strive for excellence with each issue we publish. Together, we will continue to uplift and celebrate the diversity of our community, ensuring that every voice is heard and every story is valued.
May happiness be abounding.¹
With pride and gratitude,
Dr. Steven ²
Publisher & Editor in Chief
OutClique Magazine
¹ Easterday-Holder, A. DMA (former Chair and Professor of Music at Carson-Newman University and choir member Immanuel Baptist Church, Lexington, KY). (www.ibclex.org)
² McEldowney Jensen, PhD.,J. Director of Graduate Studies, Educational Policy Studies & Education. University of Kentucky, College of Education. (Doctoral supervisor) Dissertation title: Pediatrics education in an AHEC setting: Preparing students to provide patient centered medicine. A research study of ways that medical students learn patient centered medicine through their rotations in AHEC clinical settings.
