July 4, 1776—July 4, 2026

The United State of America is 250 years old in 9 days.  It is a work in progress and continues to be the last best hope of civilization on this planet.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness—That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”

When our Founding Fathers declared this in the “Unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united State of America”, commonly known as the Declaration of Independence, they opened the door to changing the future of this planet.   This was not their intention, but because of the confluence of history, they sent forth our people on a new path instilling our hopes, and dreams for a better future.  It is clear that “The American Experiment” in self-government has exceeded the dreams of our Founding Fathers.  The permutations of the liberty that we possess, the freedoms to live our lives in peace and harmony, and to create the life that we wish to create, is free from the tyranny of all, except in our own minds.

“There is no good reason why we should be afraid of the future, but there is every reason why we should face it.”
– Theodore Roosevelt

Our constitution was designed to change slowly and inexorably, but correctly.   We take our time for change, but we get it right, when the time is right.  History marches on because we are a thoughtful, intelligent, people and not in the habit of listening to the passions and exhortations of those mad people that have a momentary impulse in the self-righteous certitude that they are correct and no one else is.

History is significant to those who read it and understand it; life is incomprehensible to those who don’t.  The United States is the greatest country in the world because of our history.  If it were not so, then why would almost all people on this planet want to come and live here?  They wish to come here for their posterity to prosper, for a better life in sure and certain freedom, and free from the tyranny demonstrated by most governments on this planet.  Are there any gay rights in China, Russia, North Korea, or Cuba?  No!!!

When Lavender published it first issue on June 9, 1995, there were virtually no gay rights in the United States and in Minnesota.

However, with the passage of time and in short order, history marched on and Lavender beat the drum for equality in Minnesota.  The US Supreme Court made national law and gays achieved marriage rights nationally on June 26, 2015 in Obergefell v Hodges.   It was a fitting moment to celebrate Lavender’s 20th anniversary.   Today Lavender is 31 years old and the rights have been uniformly achieved and systematized.   Gays can go into any restaurant or bar as a group, have dinner, drinks, and no one would say another word.   We have arrived!!! 

The goals for Lavender’s founders have been achieved.   It is now time to say goodbye as we have achieved the purpose for which we were created.  The dark bars and secret hangouts of gays of 30+ years ago were the only places for us then; but not now.  We can go anywhere and be just like everyone else who goes out with friends.  The community has mostly grown up.

Lavender comes to the logical end after the achievement of its objectives.   It’s been a good run and a good time.   But now it is time to move on.   We will not hang on, just because.  We are moving on to newer, bigger and better ventures.  History will not stand still; neither will we.¹

Stephen and the Staff (in Memory of George)

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¹ Lavender Media, Inc. continues to explore and consider options for transitioning the brand into a new phase. While there are no immediate plans to continue the publication in its current format, Lavender Media, Inc. continues to consider future opportunities to utilize its brand across a variety of related goods, services, and media formats. Lavender Media maintains full and exclusive ownership of all trademarks and intellectual property rights associated with Lavender Magazine. Lavender Media reserves all rights to utilize these marks for future business ventures and will take all necessary legal steps to protect its brand identity against unauthorized use or infringement.