Dear Readers,
On January 14, 2018, I placed Stonewall Gazette in archive mode. Since that time I've had repeated requests to reconsider that decision.
More than 300 people have stayed in contact with me on a regular basis over the past several years. We've chatted privately, shared news items on Twitter and have had some good laughs along the way, too!
I can't begin to tell you how heart-warming it is to know that the Stonewall Gazette community has been so active.
Therefore, after much rumination and reflection, I've decided to begin publishing fresh content again on Stonewall Gazette, starting February 12, 2021.
In addition to the many requests to reactivate this website there are other reasons that I've taken in to consideration in bringing Stonewall Gazette back.
Censorship
As the owner of this site I came to social media very late. I created a Twitter account for the Gazette in October 2013 but only began using it in the spring of 2015. I created a Facebook page in 2016.
I quickly discovered that social media apps such as Twitter and Facebook heavily censor queer content (and continue to do so). These apps have repeatedly locked me out or blocked content for violation of their "guidelines" and each time I was able to prove that there was no violation. I eventually deleted the Facebook account altogether because it was such a headache to deal with.
Because the Stonewall Gazette community hangs out on Twitter, I have not deleted that app. For many years I also provided a free subscription service for Stonewall Gazette readers.
Independent LGBTQ Websites
Over the past 5 years we've seen so many LGBTQ blogs and websites disappear. What a shame it has been to see these sites permanently shuttered. I know that it is incredibly difficult to generate revenue for LGBTQ content creators and as a community we really need to up our game in support of one another. Relying on social media apps is not the answer.
Using social apps does have a place so I will continue liking and retweeting. However, I think we'll be seeing LGBTQ content continue to be censored for many more years to come.
This is why, in my opinion, one of the best ways to give support to your favorite website is to subscribe to their newsletter.
Free Subscription Service
There are many benefits to having your favorite content sent to you by email.
First, it's free.
Second, it's private.
Third, it's a very convenient way to stay informed without the need to keep bookmarking articles to read later like one often does when using social media apps!
Stonewall Gazette is ad-free and does not have to worry about advertisers dictating what it can and can not publish. I have offered a free subscription service for readers and will continue to do so.
In Closing
I invite you to subscribe to Stonewall Gazette and to share this invitation with your friends and colleagues. I want to express again how much I appreciate your continued support. Together we'll journey forward in the next chapter of Stonewall Gazette.
Thank-you!
Shane Smith, Editor
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