ACT III: Out Front’s next 35 years are yours

Since 1976 Out Front Colorado has been the pulse of Colorado’s LGBT media. Founder Phil Price’s vision was maintained by publishers Greg Montoya and Jay Klein and for more than 18 years after Price passed away in 1993 – and in 2012, we’re turning the page once more.

You may have heard gossip at X Bar, Facebook posts from a friend of a friend and maybe even a few off-color comments about what’s been going on lately at Out Front Colorado.

But we’re still here – and working to bring the organization to new heights.

We’re still here to answer any questions you have about the future of OFC: a vision that is creating quite the excitement here in the office and buzz around town.

Our new owner and publisher is Jerry Cunningham, who has instilled a sense of passion and energy for us as we continue to pour time and work into our classic, and soon-to-be cutting edge publication.

“I am both thrilled and challenged with the opportunity to take over the torch and legacy of Out Front Colorado. The possibilities for transformation within the LGBT community and our OFC network are incredible,” Cunningham said.

And the passions of our very own mover and shaker, associate publisher Nic Garcia, will continue into the future.

“OFC is a living breathing collective of stories, opportunities and partnerships. I am encouraged by our new owner that OFC will serve as the conduit to many new relationships that make the Colorado LGBT community stronger than ever!” Garcia said.

After working for OFC for seven years, assistant art director Sara Decker envisions a colorful future: “I’m looking forward to creating a cutting-edge desgin and being given the opportunity to generate a fresh and avant-garde look and feel that will enable the publication to inspire cultural change.”

You’ll see a few new faces including our energetic new editor-in-chief and Creative Director Jeff Jackson Swaim, and hopefully you’ll continue to pick up OFC as we develop serious and exciting partnerships with businesses and nonprofits in the community.

Swaim’s creative flair will be a breath of fresh air – and so will the headlines we hope we’ll cover over OFC’s next 35 years:

‘Colorado passes civil unions.’

‘CDC approves vaccine to eradicate HIV.’

‘First trans person elected to Congress.’

‘Meet Colorado’s first lesbian governor.’

You know the rest. Imagine the unbelievable. We know good things are in store.

“The next 35 years promise to be a watershed time for the gay community,” Swaim said.

Swaim continued, “The past 235 years of American history have been spent carving a slow, grueling path to where we are today. The ignorance and hate that still pervades speeches of 21st Century politicians is concerning. But we are getting there. The half-life of intolerance is getting shorter and shorter. And yes – it’s getting better.”

With our hopes come passion from Cunningham and Swaim for “paying it forward.” From here on out, OFC will donate 10 percent of its proceeds to nonprofits benefiting our community, Cunningham pledges.

We are here for the long-haul, and we recognize the need for a partnership with the community – to expand our content to bring diverse voices, challenging conversations and transparent feedback. For that we need you: so call, submit, comment and share – let OFC be not only a source of information and entertainment but your forum to talk to our community. We’re truly in this together.

By Holly Hatch and Matt Pizzuti