OutBoise Magazine June 2016 | Page 6

6  |  OutBoise Magazine  | NEWS OutBoisemag.com | Issue 20 | June 2016 Publisher’s Corner It came as a big surprise to find out that we weren’t going to print his month. After many months of planning, and meeting, and helping a local organization that I believe in, it broke my heart to learn that Boise Pridefest was no longer going to be using our services to put out their Pride Guide. There were a number of contributing factors that led to this decision, from deadline requirements they were unable to meet, to artistic differences when it came to deciding what should go on the cover. The decision left me in a position where I was both devastated and disappointed. And while I wanted to yell and scream, and point out all of the things that they were doing wrong, I chose to take a different road. Far too often, in the LGBT community, we find ourselves in a position where one group is against another, and drama ensues. People get hurt, and a lot of people are left with a bad taste in their mouths because of it. I have always believed that our community needs a strong, positive voice to help make things better. To inspire people to do better for themselves, and for others. While OutBoise may no longer be directly working with Boise Pridefest, I still believe I had an obligation to meet with them this month. This issue still lives up to exactly what they wanted, and goes even further by providing you with information for Pride around the state. It is important to remember to set your own pride aside when it comes to helping a community, and as difficult as that may be, I will continue to stand on the side that speaks to the values that our community needs. Thank you to everyone who has stood beside me along this journey so far. It isn’t as easy as it looks. Thank you for believing in me, and for speaking up when I step out of line. Without further delay, I give you your 2016 Idaho Pride Guide!!! - Gary Simpson, Publisher