From the Publisher
STONEWALL
NEWS NORTHWEST
It was my honor to previously publish Stonewall News Northwest 20 years ago. Now, in a very different stage of technology and news dissemination, I’m pleased to update and reboot this vehicle of dialogue and change for our rural LGBTQ+ communities of the Pacific Northwest!
This Stonewall reboot arrives at a perilous time. Volleys of executive hate-grenade edicts are being tossed out of the White House day after day, many ignoring the Constitution and due process. Over five hundred anti-LGTBQ+ bills (and counting) are now in state legislatures across the country.
This cruel crusade to erode and eliminate our equal and human rights is not just unprecedented, it’s unconscionable. The virulence of this assault, which began on day one of this presidency, is especially heinous to our Trans friends, neighbors, and loved ones, whose “crime” is the simple act of their own peaceful existence.
Silence in the face of this ferocious aggression does more than favor the aggressor; it snuffs out the flame of freedom, exterminates the heart of humanity, and kills liberty, hope, and human lives. Its toxic stench suffocates the institutions of free democracy, pillar by pillar. It brutally burns through critical systems of justice and support, and through diversely rich social structures until the colorful tapestry of a vibrant society is scorched into the ash of fear.
We are all connected as one humanity. We all bear this cross of resistance: to publicly stand up and fight this invasion of hate, to push the pendulum of humanity back toward inclusion, dignity, and equality. And we must do it now.
But this fight will not rob us of our joy. We’ll still dance, laugh, and love, celebrating the beauty of our unique selves, our diverse tribe, and our history. We’ll guard our compass of compassion, engaging our present with a facet of transcendent grace. We’ll continue to be beautiful creatures of the universe. This is what we’re fighting for.
To that end, Stonewall is privileged to work with many dedicated contributors throughout Washington, North Idaho, and Western Oregon — all to reveal, share, and celebrate LGBTQ+ news, events and information covering much of the rural Pacific Northwest.
Welcome to the monthly print reboot of Stonewall News Northwest, volume 1, issue 1.
Mike Schultz