Connecting Principle

It’s fascinating to me how the universe works. In one of those wonderful displays of synchronicity that happen from time to time, the publication of the first issue of Frontiers’ incredible 27th volume just happens to coincide with the beginning of SoCal’s Pride season. Since this issue celebrates Long Beach Pride, it’s the ideal time to refocus on our goals for this magazine. When I became editor in chief of Frontiers, I wrote about our commitment to focus on the often unsung heroes of our community and the publishers, editorial staff, and I have worked hard to do this. I’ve heard so many grumblings that Pride celebrations are no longer necessary and they’ve become too commercial. Yet with the headline-grabbing, anti-gay rhetoric of politicians like Sally Kern and religious figures like Rev. Jeremiah Wright and the increasing number of hate crimes like the recent murders of students Lawrence King and Fred Martinez, we still need positive LGBT role models. For the cover of our Long Beach issue, we asked around for someone who exemplifies brotherhood and unity in the community and one name that came up was Justin Rudd. Besides being handsome, Justin is one of the best-known residents of Long Beach—a noted animal and human rights activist and environmentalist, who has founded and directed local nonprofit organizations and he was chosen to be the grand marshal of the 2008 Long Beach Pride parade. I dare you to find someone who has anything bad to say about this guy. We’re proud to have him grace our cover.

Another piece of editorial I’m pleased to have in this issue is Michael Hauser’s “Produce Your Life” on page 68. He’s written a column that is both relatable and enlightening.

I hope you enjoy this issue. As always, I welcome your feedback. Write in to (letters@frontierspublishing.com) to let us know what you think.

Yours,

Jeremy Kinser
Editor in Chief