editors’ corner DAVID SMALL PHOTO: Simon Howden
Dear Readers, Producing this magazine has been an incredible journey for OutServe as we’ve become a vocal resource for out, serving people in the armed forces. With each edition, we keep growing, and this month is yet another milestone. Among all of this month’s content, one article grabbed me by the collar and shook me awake to an issue many don’t even know exists. OutServe Board member Katie Miller exposes, for possibly the first time in print anywhere, experiences of transgender service members. With LGB people now able to serve openly, there is still a group of people in our community who cannot. The transgender struggle for open service faces different challenges than ours did and this article sheds light on this secretive problem. But the reason I was given the editorial column this month is to tell you about OutServe Magazine’s new blog, for which I’ve been appointed editor. To quench your desire for more content from us on our shoestring budget (donations accepted), we at OutServe Magazine launched a blog in conjunction with this issue. The blog will fill the gap between our bi-monthly publications, providing you fresh perspectives from a diverse crop of newly-commissioned bloggers. Here is a sample of recent posts to entice you to click over and start a conversation with us: Kristen Kavanaugh talks about being a part of the team no matter what role you provide. “ ... The sniper and this new generation of female warriors have given me a new perspective for the New Year. No matter your job, your gender, or your sexual orientation, if you serve with passion and can walk away at the end of each day knowing that you have given it your all, you have directly contributed to making our Armed Forces the most powerful fighting force in the world.” Neal Simpson highlights the last bastion of acceptance to repeal within the ranks. “ ... While the willpower of their senior commanders and the general apathy or acceptance of their subordinate service members mitigate their resistance somewhat, the impact of toxic opinions and actions arising from members in this group will continue to have a lasting effect on the morale, welfare and discipline of the force.” Read their full comments online at www.outservemag.com/the-blog. If you have a strong, obdurate voice on topics pertinent to our audience, are a good writer, and can provide a diverse perspective, please e-mail me at dsmall@outserve.org. Happy reading, David Small Associate Editor
4 OutServeMag.com jan/Feb 2012