Archive for the ‘Covers + Dear Reader’ Category
Mint Male June 2010- Cover Credits and Dear Reader
Yours ever so truly,
Director of Operations
June is in full swing and it's when our Pride should be at an all time high. Rainbow Flags blow in the wind while the community prepares for festivals, parades, and events across the globe. It's the gayest month of the year and had we better take advantage of it. It's 30 days to reflect and rejoice in the battles we have overcome and to remind us that we must move even further. We must break the glass ceiling and have equality for everyone. So when you're putting on your rainbow boa, new swim suits, and mixing your LGBTQA iced tea, take a moment to reflect. Think about the times past and recent when same sex people were beaten, murdered, and arrested for their sexuality. Think about the men who were raided in bars, and the women who are raped in Africa for being a lesbian. Consider the 250,000 people who marched less than a year ago to fight for our equality. Don't let yourself fade into the background. Stand up and tell the world you want equality in your job, in your marriage, and in every part of your damned life. So gather up your flags, and don't forget to wear sunscreen while you're celebrating YOU and all who love you. Happy Pride 2010!
xoxo,
Joey Grant
Publisher
I love warmth and summer. It's the only thing that helps me make it through the sometimes tortuous winters here in Chicago. Being from the south originally, I thrive on heat and humidity, making June the perfect month for me. From the Pride Parade to the festivals, even the thunderstorms, summer hits the spot for me. I sometimes miss home but feel lucky to live in a city that offers us so much. We are lucky to have such a die-hard community that doesn't hide under the radar, but rather gets out and celebrates and is proud of who we are. I am in my 30's now and have never really had too many issues with my being a proud gay man. I love being part of a community that will welcome anyone of any kind into its arms. I know there are places out there where you do have to be silent and break down and hide who you are. That being said, this month, I would like to encourage everyone to embrace it and get out in the heat and celebrate. Whether you're in a big city, a smaller city where they have a little festival of sorts, or even a tiny town, invite your friends and have your own Pride celebration in your back yard. I am so excited about marching in the parade here in Chicago this year. After nine years of watching, I will definitely feel more involved and proud to be out there seeing all the people of every age, sex, religion, etc. Pride is truly a celebration for everyone and I can't wait to see you all there. I hope you enjoy this issue as much as we enjoyed making it for you!
Happy Pride Month everyone!
Josh Shores
Co-Founder
Dear Reader
Our first travel special issue has arrived. We've featured the beautiful and exceptionally gay friendly destination: Puerto Vallarta. We realize that wherever you decide to travel, it should be a place that makes your heart feel good. A place that opens your eyes and relieves the stress and anxiety of a busy and usually high demanding life. It's Mint Male's sixth month anniversary, and we're are pushing through to become a leading publication that encompasses the our lifestyle. That delivers the highest quality tips, features, and news from a tireless staff dedicated to improving our publication along with their own life. We dream to one day staff talented individuals from all over the community and be a magazine that remains honest and fresh. The possibility of that success will propel us to build on our values, our needs and rights which we all truly deserve. Your support will generate our ability to give back and create new and exciting media outlets in the GLBTQ community.
Contents/Cover/Dear Minters
Dear Minters,
I took a very hands-on approach to this issue. I cooked a Thanksgiving dinner, traveled to DC, and even did the work out with our very own personal trainer, Kevin. Thanksgiving has always been a favorite holiday of mine, and one I've always enjoyed hosting. Here at Mint Male, we are tremendously thankful for all of the support we've received from you, our readers. We always enjoy and appreciate your feedback (which you can send to us at feedback@mintmale.com). Equality, a word I never used to think about so much in my life, has become a daily reminder to me. A reminder that our GLBTQ community is still lacking Equality, and unless we press forward, we may never get it. We must demand the same rights as every other citizen in this country. It's the American way. We're working on stopping the bigotry in Maine on November 4th, and we will continue doing so until the issue is resolved. On that note, we've created GetInvolved@mintmale.com. We are still working on the direction of mobilizing our community, but this is our start. The National Equality March was INCREDIBLE (to say the very least), amazing, and life-altering. That being said, we felt it was important to base this month's issue entirely on Equality, right down to the fashion spread. Please enjoy our November issue, get involved in our fight for equality and have a wonderful holiday season!
Sincerely,
Joey Grant
Founder – Creative Director
Dear Reader
Dear Minters,
February is the traditional hallmark, pink and red filled holiday month that makes some people ecstatic with hearts in their eyes, some people indifferent to all the love floating through the air, and others want to vomit. No matter how you feel about V-day, we've jam packed this edition of Mint Male with heart breaker music, workouts for two, and a strawberry mojito recipe that you can share with your sweetheart. ?A new option for you Mint readers! ?Those of you who've always wanted a copy of Mint Male sitting on your coffee table can now find print copies at Phoebe's Cupcakes starting next week! ?Stop by and nibble on Phoebe's delectable confections and dive into February's issue at 3327 North Broadway in Chicago, but only limited editions will be available so act fast! January was a great new beginning for us and we got great feedback on our new and improved image. Thank you all for your support and feedback, which we always encourage, and send us tips and things you'd like to see in the magazine at feedback@mintmale.com. Now readers can comment on every article on our site at www.mintmale.com and you can also share and post individual links with friends on Facebook and other social networking sites. ?So enjoy our newest issue and stay tuned for updates and events. ?Speaking of events, our launch party for February is next Thursday, February 11th at 10pm. ?For you single ladies and gentlemen, if our launch party isn't enough excitement for you, stop by Minibar on Monday, February 15th for a night of fun with Mint Male and OKCupid. ?Dress in your best, and head out to meet the man of your dreams!
Joey Grant
