In compiling the photos and biographies in this weekÂ's Outlines, I couldnÂ't help but be overwhelmed by the number of people who contribute to Lambda Publications. When you simply do a job day in and day out, itÂ's easy to forget how many people play some role in creating Outlines, Nightlines, BLACKlines, En La Vida, Clout!, OUT!, and Taste.
There are more than 110 names included in our special PullÂOut Section in the center of this edition. With all the words of "diversity" being stated about the local gay and lesbian press, we wanted to show you just how many different types of people play a role in Lambda Publications.
And the list on pages 19Â 22 is not even complete. There are many more who might write infrequently, help out on a delivery route, send in photos from events, or otherwise participate. Certainly, a lot of partners of our staff and contributors also get pulled into the process, helping run events, take photos, and in other ways lend their support to our efforts.
In addition, there are the investors who have stood fast and firm beside me over the years, being patient while Lambda Publications filled an important role in our local community. Without these people, we would never have been able to stick around through more than 12 years, covering thousands of events and writing about so many different parts of our community.
When I look back over these first 12 years, it is very rewarding to see how many different people have contributed to Lambda. Many have gone on to great fame and fortune, using Lambda as a launching pad for their careers. We have so often been the first place for writers to get published¯and there is nothing more rewarding than being able to provide a space for the words of a new voice in our community.
Readers and advertisers, of course, play a very important role in Lambda Publications. Without them, where would we be? Businesses such as Women & Children First, Richard Smith realty, Susan OÂ'Dell counseling, Envoy Travel and many others have been advertising with us since our very first issue. We thank them for their continued support¯in making what we believe has been a good business decision.
We hope you take the time to read about all the many people who play a role at Lambda. We have young and older, gay, lesbian, bi, transgendered and straight, people of all races, and people of all political beliefs. And we are always adding to this group¯see our web page for updates.
Thanks for being with us for all these years. We look forward to a long and healthy future for our entire community.
Tracy Baim, Publisher