Reporter's Notebook: Time For Another Change

In late July, I left my position as Managing Editor at Lavender Magazine. 

I did not make that announcement on here at the time. I wanted to give myself some space to let things settle down towards moving forward from that transition.

However, let me state that I am still writing for the magazine. In fact, I had a few more articles published by the time you are reading this. 

Needless to say, I’ve accomplished what I set out to do at the magazine. During my two-and-a-half years at that position, I was able to give readers a chance to see different things from various places. I expanded the subject matter to tell stories from across the state of Minnesota and beyond its state lines and international borders. 

I interviewed notable personalities and wrote about what they were doing. One of them came out to me – and subsequently, in the magazine. His story has been picked up by the LGBTQ+ press worldwide and he has enjoyed his extended minutes of fame. 

Through this position, I connected with so many movers, shakers, and personalities within the LGBTQ+ community across the state of Minnesota and beyond. I listened to how they triumphed in their positions. I understood the challenges they were going through. I saw new organizations pop up and others fall. 

The way I look at my job performance is simple: If I got it right, great! If I did not get it right at the time, I apologize for that. 

Honestly, I am a better writer than a manager. I like the freedom of writing. That’s one reason why I transitioned this website from a generalized blog about everything I was interested in to the automotive website you are reading today. 

Since I left my position at the magazine, I returned to the consulting world. I reconnected with my old consulting team to deliver content to their clients. They welcomed me back with open arms and I simply went to work. 

I also made more room to work on this website and other automotive outlets that continue to welcome my work. George is still producing our videos and is providing valuable input to this publication. We also have a video editor and an additional video/photographer we work with on a freelance basis. 

While I transitioned into my consulting gig and devoted more time to this website, there is one more anecdote to talk about. 

In one of my latest stories I wrote for the magazine, I interviewed an author and friend of mine, Michael G. Lee, Ph.D, who wrote a biography of one of my journalism heroes – Randy Shilts. In his book, When the Band Played On: The life of Randy Shilts, America’s Trailblazing Gay Journalist, Lee also gave us a deeper look at Shilts’ work, impact, and personal life before, during, and after his career all the way through his death due to complications from AIDS. 

As I was reading the advanced copy of the book, I recognize a lot of myself in Shilts. The self-doubt, for starters. Shilts' own professional trajectory, his battles with the "haters," seeing friends and colleagues come and go in and out of his life, and the search for finding a space to enjoy his success.

I knew I had a lot in common with Shilts. Even today as an LGBTQ+ automotive journalist and content creator. That is why Shilts has been influential in my career. I am very proud of my friend, Lee, who brought this professional influence back to life.

Finally, I wish everyone well at the magazine. I know my successor, Noah Mitchell, is doing an exceptional job. As long as he and his writers deliver on the content their readers expect from that magazine. 

For now, I have moved forward.

All photos by and courtesy of Randy Stern