Nicole Lashomb, Editor-in-Chief of The Rainbow Times
Photo. TRT Archives
By: Nicole Lashomb*/TRT Editor-in-Chief—
The Rainbow Times again this year had the privilege to produce not one, but two Pride Projects for you—the New England Pride Guide & the New England Pride Map. We would like to thank the 70+ advertisers that supported these pride projects, which allowed us to continue to work for you, on your behalf, and to be able to (in turn) give back to others as well. I cannot begin to underscore the importance of our clients and what they mean to us. Without them, we would not be able to serve you, which is our utmost commitment.
Since the beginning, The Rainbow Times has gradually expanded its distribution of the newsmagazine and all of the special projects that we produce. Now, we are proud to have the widest distribution not only in the greater Boston region, but also throughout New England, with more than 1,500 points of pick up, including subscriptions sent throughout the country. This year, our pride projects, the New England Pride Guide and New England Pride Map are expected to reach approximately 250,000 from June-September. The map distribution began in early May. The Guide will be in this issue of TRT and separately at all Pride events covered by our team this Pride season. [pullquote]For us, these pieces are about user ability on the go. After all, it is Pride season, and the beginning of the summer. Who isn’t on the go? [/pullquote]
Both of these pieces were designed with portability in mind. In past years, we’ve produced full-size magazines, but based on years of feedback from you about this piece, we learned that many of you do not want to carry around a bulky magazine that may get in the way of your festivities, and that you would rather be re-directed to the information that you need instantly on your smart phone or tablet.
Based on this feedback, we decided to produce a versatile New England Pride Guide, publishing critical information and stories, complete with QR codes that will redirect you to the information that most interests you right from your device. This mini-magazine is made to fit into your back pocket. The New England Pride Map is a glossy pocket-sized piece that depicts critical information for Pride parades and specific events happening during prides throughout the region, also complete with QR codes. If you don’t have a QR reader on your phone or table yet, they can be downloaded from your device’s App store/Marketplace. For us, these pieces are about user ability on the go. After all, it is Pride season, and the beginning of the summer. Who isn’t on the go?
Additionally, all projects are accessible digitally from our website (www.therainbowtimesmass.com) and our secondary publishing site, Issuu. All links are active, allowing you to click through the project links and sending you to the information of most interest. Additionally, each and every advertisement is linked as well. If a particular ad is of interest, check out our advertisers’ websites by simply clicking on their ad. This year is all about accessibility. [pullquote]Additionally, each and every advertisement is linked as well. If a particular ad is of interest, check out our advertisers’ websites by simply clicking on their ad. This year is all about accessibility. [/pullquote]
Last year, I spoke to a reader who was concerned with the significant amount of newspapers, magazines, maps and other pieces we produce due to the effects on the environment. I welcomed this conversation wholeheartedly because I realized that it was an issue I hadn’t addressed before. I’ll clarify it here. As a part of our social responsibility policy, we support green initiatives and do our best to contribute to a healthy environment. With that in mind, all of our products are produced using a combination of recycled paper and biodegradable ink.
The next pride event we will be at is Boston Pride. We have reserved a space at the festival, and our team is ready to greet you with a smile. Whether you are interested in picking up your copy of The Rainbow Times, the New England Pride Guide or New England Pride Map, we will have them ready for you. If you’ve already picked up your copies, drop by and say hi. Our greatest pride comes from serving you and being your choice for LGBTQ news and information in New England and beyond. [pullquote]As a part of our social responsibility policy, we support green initiatives and do our best to contribute to a healthy environment. With that in mind, all of our products are produced using a combination of recycled paper and biodegradable ink. [/pullquote]
Farwell to assistant editor Lauren Walleser & warm welcomes
For two and a half years, we have had the pleasure of working with Lauren Walleser as our assistant editor. Those of you who’ve had the opportunity to work with her too as an interviewee or colleague know that she is top notch, a pro that is meticulous and passionate for her work. For those of us who’ve had the opportunity to work with her more closely, she has become a friend and confidant, a trustworthy teammate. It is with sadness that we say goodbye to Lauren in her role with TRT as she begins a new chapter in her professional life. We wish her nothing but the very best in her future—and exciting—endeavors.
As we see Lauren off, we’d like to welcome Sara Brown, our new assistant editor. Sara comes to us with a plethora of experience, has worked with major publications in print and online and comes with the highest professional recommendations and accolades. Also joining our team is Milo Todd and Jessica Castellanos in the editorial department. We extend our warmest welcome to these new colleagues as they embark on this journey with us to serve you, our community, in the best way possible. Check out some of their work in the special pieces and in this issue of TRT. [pullquote]I presume her perspectives may shift as she settles into herself. As all of us, our experiences form our perspectives. Until now, Caitlyn only had experiences that enforced the Caucasian heterosexual male culture. [/pullquote]
Last, but not least—Hello, Caitlyn!
Caitlyn Jenner. She is exciting, she is beautiful, and she is “the new normal” as she proudly said in a CNN tidbit televised today (June 3) that showcases her new upcoming reality show. In it, Caitlyn speaks about all of the “pressure that women have to go through” when it comes to their appearance. But, let’s take a minute to think about this. She, more than any other woman in the world, is able to speak from a privileged place of stature and almost omnipotence because of who she was prior to coming out. She just blew our minds coming out via the cover of Vanity Fair a couple of days ago, and she is already breaking down all ideas of what it means to be a woman in this day and age.
I eagerly await to learn more of her story and see the type of evolution she goes through as a result of facing the triumphs, trials and tribulations that being an out person will bring to her. Up until this point, based on how she presented herself to the world for 65 years, she has been able to be conservative, to be sheltered as her former outwardly identity. I presume her perspectives may shift as she settles into herself. As all of us, our experiences form our perspectives. Until now, Caitlyn only had experiences that enforced the Caucasian heterosexual male culture. I think we all need to take a minute and allow her to catch up to what many of us have experienced for years or a lifetime as “out” members of society. She deserves a modicum of respect before the cynicism.
Happy Pride Caitlyn and everyone!
*Nicole Lashomb is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of TRT. She has an MBA from Marylhurst University and a Bachelor’s from SUNY Potsdam. Her work as a racial and ethnic, transgender, women, children, and any other disadvantaged groups is well documented throughout her columns in TRT and other former publications. Reach her at: editor@therainbowtimesmass.com.
