June 2017 issue #10 JUNE_2017_issue_10 | Page 6

Editors LETTER THE FIGHT FOR FULL EQUALITY UNDER THE LAW GOES ON! What began at Stonewall almost half a century ago is today a global movement inspired by those first few LGBTQ individuals who stoop up to an oppressive society and asserted that they would be second class citizens no more. Her in the U.S., the struggle for equality has had notable successes, most recently with the advent of gay marriage recognition and full civil rights protections in countless cities, large and small, around the country. We celebrate these advances each year at Pride celebration nationwide each summer, joining together with one another and with friends and allies. However, while we plan our Pride celebrations, we should remember that the advances we have made are not universal and are being threatened. We should recognize that while we organize for Pride this year and prepare to make a statement, with a wary eye on any who would try to strip away our rights, we are considerably better off than our brothers and sisters in many parts of the world. Yes, we face challenges from the forces of hate and discrimination in all forms. But, relatively, we face legitimate First World problems. As we head into Pride this summer, we should remember that in The Middle East, gays are summarily executed. In Russia, gays and lesbians are criminals simply by fact of their existence. As we observe Pride in 2017, let’s not forget that this global movement has yet to illuminate some parts of the world at all. Let’s definitely celebrate Pride around the world, but more importantly, let’s continue to fight at home and abroad so everyone in our community can gain their full equal rights under the law, regardless of where they live. DO YOU WANT TO WORK WITH US? WE ARE LOOKING FOR WRITERS, PHOTOGRAPHERS, MODELS AND SALES SEND RESUME TO [email protected] Jordan @ 4GUYS.CA