The first issue of OutSFL rose from the ashes of the defunct SFGN on June 1, 2023 and the phoenix has never looked back.
In these two short years, OutSFL has soared, quickly becoming the trusted voice of the community. Its outreach is expanding issue by issue thanks to the incredible hard work, commitment and dedication of Publisher Jason Parsley and CEO Justin Wyse. Many have been predicting the end of this format for years and the irreplaceable role of newspapers to dissect, stimulate, expose, organize analyze the public debate is threatened by a free for all chaos led by social media's anarchic way of spreading information without any editorial revision process. They are platforms and pulpits for personal propaganda and agendas without any concern about what is true or not.
And in the age of Trumputin attacks on the press have become the norm. He has repeatedly called it "Thieves and Crooks." He has referred to the New York Times as "failing-sick-a disgusting fraud - a joke-dishonest-unfair and biased" among other things. He has appropriated the term "fake news" to refer to traditional news media, singling out CNN, PBS, NPR and others (leaving out, of course, FoxyMoron News), but what boils down to is that President Trumputin childishly uses the term to describe any news, however legitimate or responsible with which he may disagree or take offense to. Sadly when you throw enough crap on the wall some will stick as his ramblings stick to his core followers like shit on Velcro. He would love to have one newspaper only, a carbon copy of the old Pravda.
"Pravda" is a Russian word meaning "truth." It's most well-known as the name of the official newspaper of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. The newspaper was founded in 1912 and served as the primary mouthpiece for the party's policies and propaganda until the dissolution of the USSR in 1991. It disseminated the party's ideology and policies, and it remained influential throughout the Soviet period. The newspaper was a key tool for propaganda and control or State approved fake news, the birthplace of alternative facts and doublespeak.
A free and independent press is a key mechanism of a functioning, healthy democracy. In the absence of censorship, journalism exists as a watchdog of private and government action, providing information to maintain an informed citizenry of voters. A "free press" means that newspapers, magazines, and other media outlets are not controlled or restricted by the government in their ability to publish information, including opinions and criticism. This freedom is essential for a democratic society, allowing the public to be informed and hold the government accountable.
OutSFL is working hard at proving that it is still doable, with integrity, in a credible and honest way, by featuring international, national, local news with cutting edge editorials. Breaking stories, exposing crooks and police harassment, con-men and swindlers who hurt members of our community. Paraphrasing what Publisher Jason Parsley eloquently said: "We don't want to be just a newspaper. We want to be a platform with a mission. Something that uplifts and reflects the diversity of South Florida LGBTQ community.”
In these complicated times where we are all under attack, truth matters, journalism matters and your vital support matters, more than ever. YOU our readers and loyal advertisers are an inspiration, you give us hope and purpose. And if you believe in what we're doing, please consider donating, every dollar helps us stay independent, proud and gay.
Thank you for allowing us to be the voice of this beautiful and colorful community's ongoing story. Happy second anniversary, OutSFL. Many Happy Returns.
