From The Editor: 750

Welcome to the 750th issue of Lavender Magazine. 

It may look like any other issue we have published since 1995. But, there is cause for celebration. 

Over the years, we evolved from turn to turn to where we are at right now. While we recognize that our core community has become “mature” in the way we no longer have gayborhoods and have changed in the way we socialize, it is far from perfect. The needs of this community now reflect new generations looking for outlets of support. It also reflects how much we have emerged exponentially across Greater Minnesota and smaller communities along the state line and international border. 

This magazine recorded the evolution of our community as a whole. Today, we are more encompassing of both sexual orientation and gender identity – under the acronym of LGBTQ+. 

We live in emerging times. This magazine is still here with the purpose of delivering a lifestyle publication that reflects our evolution as a community. 

When we celebrated our 500th Issue, our staff recounted the number of those that we worked on. In all honesty, I have officially lost count. My professional mantra is to not look back, but to acknowledge the past. I rather look forward and see where this publication will go and what stories will be told in future issues.

Considering my personal contribution to this publication, my byline has appeared in this magazine since 2008 – regularly since 2011. I just celebrated my second anniversary as Managing Editor of this publication. 

Working in concert with our senior staff, our sales and office support team, and our Contributing Writers – I am personally committed to deliver a publication that engages with you. Every issue – all 750 – is published for you. 

There is more to come. 

In this issue, we continue to bring you stories that pertain to our normal everyday lives. That includes caring for your home and garden. The Home and Garden Show will be underway at the Minneapolis Convention Center by the time you pick up a copy of this issue. We also chat about lighting design, new home developments, a look into the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance, and some advice and insight from the Minnesota Arboretum. 

In addition, we look forward with the opening of an LGBTQ+ center for wellness and community in Saint Cloud. Not to mention, looking forward to Twin Cities Pride in June. 

Importantly, I want to address a situation that was brought up in the last issue. We had situation regarding the use that image due to an editorial decision that was made unilaterally. The original cover idea fell through, and a hasty decision was made to feature Aria Arcana as our cover. With that said, I personally apologize for the resulting issues that this cover has caused across our community. I personally will do better.