RESIST! Silencing Voices Is the First Step In Erasing Them

Welcome to the May issue of Diversity Rules Magazine! This month marks the 20th year the publication has been in existence. Quite an achievement, given how many publications come and go. However, Diversity Rules Magazine has always been a passion of mine since its inception. It has had many ups and downs, and there were moments when I considered giving it up. I would get in moods where I would question whether folks were reading it, or even cared that it existed. Then, in the depths of those moments, I would receive an email or other correspondence expressing appreciation and gratitude for it being in existence. These moments of recognition that the magazine’s reach is much broader than I think it is keep me grounded and compel me to carry on. If it can continue to help only one or a handful of folks get through their day as a queer individual, then it is all worth it to me.

I had wrestled with what to do to celebrate 20 years in business as a queer-themed publication. Obviously, it is not a print publication, so there are limited options to offer subscription specials, giveaways, and do other events that a print publication likely would undertake. I then began reflecting on our nation’s current political and social situation. After much thought, I concluded that I would abandon splashy celebratory praise and the perfunctory “Happy 20-year anniversary” cover feature, or some other inane demarcation of the milestone. Instead, I opted to go full bore and usher in a fresh approach to the magazine, while not abandoning its original intent and purpose of being a voice for the queer community and its allies.

This issue is not a celebration, but a warning.

Our nation is at a serious crossroads. The current regime has whittled and chipped away at the American ideals that have served us well for 250 years, with the most ominous being the degradation of the First Amendment of the Constitution, guaranteeing the right of free speech. It has also spearheaded an attack on diversity, equity, and inclusion, which have defined our nation for so long. It is that respect for those who are different and the allowance of those differences to exist that separates us from many other authoritarian nations. Free speech is not separate from diversity; it protects it.

The Midterms are fast approaching. We can change the course of our nation if we keep resisting and maintain steadfast diligence in pushing back against a regime hell-bent on making America a white, Christian nation, disregarding those who do not comply with its vision of what the United States should be and how it treats its most vulnerable.

We must never lose sight of the simple truth that freedom of the press and expression are bedrocks of our Republic. We must diligently strive to ensure they remain among the guiding principles of our great nation.

RESIST, RESIST, RESIST. RESIST SOME MORE!

Click HERE to read the May Feature Message.