PUBLISHER'S NOTE
20-Years of Metromode: Celebrating Colorado’s LGBTQ+ Voices and Vision
Welcome to Metromode Magazine’s 20th Anniversary Issue—a milestone that signifies not just two decades of storytelling, advocacy, and celebration but also the resilience, courage, and vibrancy of Colorado’s LGBTQ+ community.
November 29, 2024
Image of an Provided by: Josh Viola, Illustrator: Aaron Lovett
Image of an Provided by: Josh Viola, Illustrator: Aaron Lovett
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By William Cameron
Welcome to Metromode Magazine’s 20th Anniversary Issue—a milestone that signifies not just two decades of storytelling, advocacy, and celebration but also the resilience, courage, and vibrancy of Colorado’s LGBTQ+ community. When we launched in 2004, our mission was simple yet ambitious: to provide a platform for the voices, stories, and dreams of Colorado’s queer individuals, families, and allies. As we look back on the past twenty years, it is abundantly clear that this mission has evolved, expanded, and flourished in ways we could have only dreamed of.
Over the years, Metromode has chronicled an incredible journey—from marriage equality and evolving family dynamics to landmark legislation, activism, and cultural breakthroughs. We’ve featured the stories of queer entrepreneurs, artists, activists, athletes, and everyday heroes who have carved out spaces of belonging and reshaped what it means to be part of Colorado’s diverse fabric. These pages have carried the voices of those who continue to break boundaries, whether they are pushing for transgender rights, standing at the frontlines of healthcare reform, or igniting conversations on the future of queer representation in media.
Image of an Provided by: Josh Viola, Illustrator: Aaron Lovett
The landscape for LGBTQ+ people in Colorado has changed dramatically since our first issue hit the stands. With new laws, greater visibility, and more inclusive spaces, we’ve seen triumphs we once thought were a distant hope. But we’ve also encountered challenges that remind us why our work remains crucial. In an era where queer rights can feel as if they’re advancing and retracting simultaneously, it is essential to stand firm, unified, and engaged. Metromode has been, and will continue to be, a refuge for truth, a source of joy, and a beacon of advocacy as we navigate these complex times together.
This anniversary issue is not only a tribute to our past but also a celebration of our future. Within these pages, you’ll find a curated mix of reflections from me, editorials from some of today’s most influential queer voices, and features that spotlight the community members shaping the next twenty years. We delve into the evolving landscape of queer identity and explore what’s on the horizon for LGBTQ+ people in Colorado and beyond. From profiles of leaders advocating for mental health in our community to artists who are redefining queer aesthetics, this issue captures the dynamism and diversity that have always been at the heart of Metromode.
Image of an Provided by: Josh Viola, Illustrator: Aaron Lovett
A magazine is only as strong as the community it serves, and we are deeply grateful to you—our readers, advertisers, writers, editors, creatives, and allies—for being with us on this journey. Your support has allowed us to amplify voices that need to be heard, celebrate love in all its forms, and keep the spirit of Colorado’s LGBTQ+ community alive in print and online. As we step into our third decade, we are more committed than ever to representing the richness of queer lives and telling the stories that matter most.
Here’s to twenty years of love, resilience, and pride—and to the countless more stories waiting to be told. Thank you for joining us on this journey. Let’s continue to make Metromode a place where all identities and voices find a home.
With gratitude and pride,
William Cameron, Owner & Publisher
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About the author
With a 24-year background in print advertising sales and publishing, a love for art and design, and steadfast determination, William has helped develop and execute the successful launch of three publications over his career; METROMODE being his own. As the Creative Director, he sets the brand's vision and leads a talented team of writers while bringing his creative abilities (16-years in graphic design) to designing each issue.