Dear Readers,
Where do I even start this issue’s letter? The past few months have been nearly impossible to explain in words – though this issue does just that. Our lives have honed in around a global pandemic, an even more intense political climate than usual, massive environmental threats, and blatant machinations of the white supremacist patriarchal state. Some of the consequences of these challenges have been mundane but difficult nonetheless: canceled weddings, trips, life events, visits with friends, family, and the communities that brought us peace and comfort. Other results have been devastating: the loss of too many lives at the hands of two deadly viruses – COVID-19 and systemic racism. To put it mildly: the world is struggling. And, in particular, the United States has been a hellscape all its own these past 6 months.
The perspectives and voices in this issue are needed to not only to offer powerful alternatives to the fascist powers that be, but also to abate our sorrow and heal our souls. I hope this Summer (yes, arriving in fall but nonetheless still being called “Summer” issue) will help you to cope with what has happened recently in the world, create a space of calm and hope, and remind that even in the hardest times, art thrives. Even in the darkest moments, there is a side of humanity that sees, acknowledges, and validates the best parts of our commonality and society.
Reading through the submissions this cycle, I was filled with this realization. It may seem trite, but I think even the smallest sense of community and belief in humanity matters during these challenging days. Throughout this issue you will find poetry, fiction, and art that directly engage with both the current moment of the pandemic and with enduring themes of love, equality, identity, and unique moments in life that call upon human beings to act with resilience, decidedness, and flexibility. Our wonderful guest judge Sarah McGlinchey Aronson, had the difficult task of deciding on the winners of our “Quarantine” Creative-Nonfiction Contest. The three winning essays bring both levity and depth to the past six months, and personally have helped me to feel more connected to others in this time of quarantine. Within these “pages,” I am again proud to showcase voices and perspectives from the LGBTQIA+ community, POC, women, and with attention to our natural world. As we foreground these important experiences, may the oppressive forces of fascism, bigotry, and hate lessen.
Thank you for being a part of this community and for reading.
Sincerely Yours,
Kim Coates
September 2020
