My first whole semester as Executive Editor of OutFAU has wrapped, and I’m bursting with pride over what our tiny-but-mighty crew achieved. With just four regular contributors, we published 26 stories across five issues from January through May — and even snagged second place in a regional contest (but you can read about that below). 

None of it would have happened without the support of our parent publication, OutSFL, so on behalf of the whole team: thank you, Out South Florida, for believing in student voices!
 
Guiding us behind the scenes were our dream-team advisers — Michael Koretzky, Jason Parsley, Brendon Lies, and Aurora Dominguez — whose sharp edits and industry wisdom kept us on course.

And speaking of foundations, OutFAU simply wouldn’t exist without our founder, Mary Rasura. Mary, thanks for sticking around after graduation; we can’t wait to see you back on campus this fall. 
 
Immense gratitude as well to Vice-President and Contributor Gabriela Quintero and Guest Contributor Ky Walker, whose elegant prose anchored this semester’s coverage, and to Treasurer and Designer Lewis de Berry and OutSFL’s Art Director Julie Palmer, who make the magazine look gorgeous month after month.

Last, but certainly not least: Thank you to OutSFL’s Assistant to the Editor, Kimberly Swan, for your insight and ensuring OutFAU’s articles reach thousands of viewers online.

Sentimentality aside, let’s talk about the pages ahead. In this final issue before the fall, you’ll find:

• A news analysis on how youth activism helped derail every anti-LGBTQ+ bill in Florida’s 2025 legislative session (Page 4).
• An editorial from founder Mary Rasura recounting her first foray into lobbying (Page 5).
• A guest column by Compass’ Ky Walker on looming cuts to HIV programs and what they mean for lifesaving services (Page 6).
• A feature on local nonprofits that could use your talent — and look great on your résumé — during the long summer stretch (Page 7).

If you’ll be at FAU this fall, consider joining us. You’ll learn the ropes from one of South Florida’s leading LGBTQ+ news outlets, build a portfolio that reaches thousands of readers, and yes — get paid for your work. Writers, designers, photographers: we want you.

Enjoy the issue, have an amazing summer, and we’ll see you in August.

Read the issue here.

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