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At first glance, our making a big deal out of a 13th birthday may seem like a grandstanding cry for attention. But then, having reached its teens, what else would you expect from our child?
The paper has grown by leaps and bounds from infancy to adolescence and is looking quite mature these days. This is the natural progression. Each stage is vital and presents opportunities to develop and grow. Its next challenge will be learning to act as grown-up as it looks.
Thirteen is recognized in many cultures and religions as the beginning of adulthood. We are confirmed or bat mitzvah-ed. We take charge, at least symbolically, of our lives and our futures at this juncture. We examine the choices our parents have made for us since birth; confirming those we like and fighting like hell against the rest.
In that spirit, OITM is renewing the commitment made to the Vermont GLBT community in 1986.
It will continue to provide a forum for our collective voice, striving to make sure each of our diverse accents is heard.
It will keep an eye on our future, never losing its respect for the past.
It will work to overcome the obstacles we face as citizens of a rural state with a scattered population, remembering what we like about Vermont's non-urban and open spaces.
It will be the community's paper, welcoming the participation of all of us.
