Solidarity.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Martin Luther King, Jr.
It’s difficult and somber to face a topic that we can’t understand. The uptick in hatred, hostility, and violence against the Asian Americans is not only senseless, but incomprehensible.
Our cover photo was captured at a recent LGBTQIA and Asian community member march last Sunday in San Francisco (more photos and coverage of the march are on page 8). We acknowledge the recent violence in Georgia and condemn any type of hate or act of hate on anyone. Our thoughts go out to the victims and their families. Lambda Legal gives their statement on the Atlanta area incident on page 2, and we have also included our Hate Crime Reporting, Legal Assistance, & Advocacy Groups Resource Guide on pages 9 through 11.
To help rid the world of hatred and racism, it’s important to educate ourselves about other cultures and customs. One of the best ways to do this is to travel. Thankfully it is becoming safer to go on an adventure, and the Sacramento airport (SMF) is making it easier with new direct flight options in March and April. Read about these destinations on page 4.
A return flight to Sacramento on March 15th, 2020 from Ontario, Canada separated a young couple for over a year (and counting) as a result of COVID lockdowns and closed borders. Their bittersweet story can be found on page 6.
Another look at dealing with COVID quarantine and limiting contact with others can be found in Part Two of Alison Erickson’s Taking Action to Accept Change (page 12), which also tackles the issue of body and gender dysphoria, and finding hope for recovery.
Hope and anticipation are the feelings “flavor of the month” right now, as businesses start to safely reopen, including movie theaters! Check out two new movie reviews on page 14, but if you’re not quite ready to leave home, head to page 16 for the latest streaming entertainment options.
Another opening we’re excited about is the “Immersive Van Gogh” exhibit in San Francisco. Read about it and how to see it on page 18.
All good things must come to an end, even for Tina Turner who is retiring from public life. Her swan song will be in the form of an upcoming HBO documentary (details on page 20). Another fond farewell comes to us from Terri Gilliland of Lucca Restaurant (a long-time Outword Magazine advertiser). Her heartfelt letter to Fred and Ron can be found on page 21. Lastly, Christopher Beale bids adieu to San Francisco’s “The Stud”–the city’s oldest LGBT bar that was ultimately forced to close due to income loss from COVID restrictions–with the tale of his last dance there, back in 2020.
“So, let’s dance the last dance…Let’s dance the last dance…Let’s dance, the last dance, tonight!” That’s all folks! See you on greener pastures in our Homes and Gardens issue, on April 8.
