Why LGBTQ+ people dare to dream

It’s been a summer for the books, dear reader. Out — and its parent company, equalpride — kicked off Pride Month with a big gay Broadway bash in New York, where we toasted our May/June cover star Jonathan Groff (congrats on the Tony!) as well as The Advocate’s leading man, Wayne Brady.

The action didn’t end there. Later that month, my editorial colleagues and I were invited to the president and the vice president’s Pride receptions in Washington, D.C. What joyous occasions to see LGBTQ+ people celebrating and being celebrated in the highest halls of power, where not so long ago we were silenced and persecuted. I don’t want to get too political; the campaigns are going through some dramatic events at the time of this letter’s writing. But I can’t wait to return to the White House in full rainbow regalia next year, hopefully with our community’s help this November.

While I adored the parties and the parades, it was on a quiet mountaintop in Switzerland where I experienced my greatest moment of revelation. I was invited to attend a weeklong trip to the cheese- and chocolate-loving European country with Susanne Bartsch, the long-serving queen of New York’s nightlife (and a Swiss native). Who could pass up that opportunity? After the decadence and the dancing at Zurich Pride, our group shed the fabulous finery and took time to disconnect from the world (and connect with one another) among the resplendent Alps.

One evening over a family-style chicken dinner, a bowl of potatoes, and a carafe of white wine, Bartsch opened up about her decision to leave Switzerland as a teen to chase her dreams in London and New York. “Not many people know what they love to do. And so if you find it, it’s such a gift,” she shared. “And then if you can make a living with it on top of it, you know, pay your rent? That’s the ultimate.” Bartsch then regaled us with tales from the glitterati — like the time she took a bite of confection at a birthday party for the photographer Steven Klein during the pandemic, and Madonna dubbed it a “COVID cake.”

I don’t have any scientific data to back up this assertion, but I believe LGBTQ+ folks have a gift for knowing what they love to do and seeking it out. So many of us take great risks to live openly about who we are and love — so it makes sense to me that we would have a similar bravery in striving for our callings in life, society and practicality be damned.

After all, the new Out issue's pages are filled with folks who, despite the odds, found what they love to do (and can pay the bills while doing it). Our cover star Luke Evans is a prime example. His new memoir, Boy From the Valleys, traces the improbable journey of a young boy, raised as a Jehovah’s Witness in Wales, who became a movie star — and a gay leading man, to boot. Even he’s not sure how he did it, as we discuss in our cover story. But Evans is grateful for the life he has (and for his partner Fran Tomas), and that he can inspire others to reach for their dreams as well.

Other dreamers in this issue include Nemo, the first nonbinary contestant to win Eurovision; Angelica Ross, whose nonprofit TransTech Social Enterprises is opening doors of opportunity for LGBTQ+ people; Michael Urie, who is dancing on Broadway alongside Sutton Foster in Once Upon a Mattress; The Abbey’s new owner, Tristan Schukraft, who seemingly overnight has become the new king of LGBTQ+ hospitality; and Michael Grassi, the Brilliant Minds showrunner whose love of the late gay neurologist Dr. Oliver Sacks inspired an NBC medical drama that will move hearts and minds on mental illness.

This is the technology and fall fashion issue. In these pages, Out editors spotlight their favorite trends and products. Partners Colton Tran and Bryce Eberly model a working relationship and some great pants. And our Last Call columnist celebrates the 150th anniversary of that venerated and vital piece of gay apparel: the jockstrap.

Whether its underwear or the White House, there’s a lot to dream about this fall, dear reader. Undoubtedly, there are some potential nightmares along the way. But whatever you’re doing, if you love it, then it’s worth fighting for — and we’ll be fighting there right beside you. And as always, thanks for subscribing — it helps us do what we love and pay our rent too.

Sincerely,
Daniel Reynolds
Editor in Chief, Out
@dnlreynolds

This article is part of Out's September/October issue, which hits newsstands on August 28. Support queer media and subscribe — or download the issue through Apple News, Zinio, Nook, or PressReader starting August 13.