It’s amazing how one experience can change the course of your life. Creatures of habit, we go about our usual routine, each day often resembling the one before it. Until one day, something happens. This event could be remarkable or even plain ordinary, but whatever it is – after – you no longer view reality quite the same. You’ve changed. Things that may have seemed important previously, now crumble, exposing a new understanding. Priorities change, as does your direction.

I want to take you back to May 11, 2001. On this unfortunate day, the Cairo Vice Squad officers and State Security raided the infamous Queen Boat in Cairo, Egypt, arresting three dozen men for acts of “devil-worshipping and perverted acts of debauchery”. In the end, all were charged and nearly half convicted of “habitual practice of debauchery”. The world, both gay and straight, watched in horror as the story made headlines. I took particular notice. In about a year’s time, I was scheduled to study advanced Arabic language at an institute in Cairo. I wondered about my safety as a gay male and contemplated finding an alternative program. Despite the country’s history of extreme human rights violations, I chose to go forward as planned, and in the summer of 2002, I left the liberal comforts of the San Francisco Bay area and plunged head first into an environment hostile to homosexuality.

Not long after my arrival, I became acquainted with the gay community devastated by the Queen Boat arrests. While I should have been concentrating on my studies, I was out mingling, attending parties and most importantly, fostering rewarding friendships with gay Egyptians. I couldn’t help but find their culture fascinating. We often discussed the Queen Boat arrests. Many of the people I came in contact with had friends imprisoned, or they themselves had planned to attend that fateful evening, but, last minute, had changed plans and decided on an alternative destination.

Towards the end of my program a friend of mine was arrested. The Egyptian government began cracking down on homosexuality by targeting the Internet. Agents for the Egyptian government would pose as gay men and begin developing Internet-based relationships with members of the underground gay community. The Internet, one of the few places gay men could interact, became a game of Russian roulette. After weeks, even months of chat, the men would plan to meet. Sadly, the unsuspecting gay male would arrive at the agreed location only to be greeted by a small force of armed police. Soon after the first arrest, yet another close friend of mine was arrested. I was dumbfounded. I couldn’t believe that something as common in the U.S. as an Internet date could land you in prison, tortured and, once released, often ruined socially and cut off from family and friends.

As a result of the arrests, a small coalition of foreigners and Egyptians contacted International Human Rights Watch, an organization dedicated to preventing discrimination, upholding political freedom and protecting people from inhumane conduct during wartime. Human Rights Watch came to our aid and sent an attorney to assist with the case. Later that month, I agreed to host an underground informational forum with speakers from International Human Rights Watch and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) for members of the gay community. This forum presented information about the safety of Internet use, local hangouts deemed “risky”, what to do if arrested and how to avoid torture by police. Our unofficial gathering provided needed information that helped the gay community make intelligent, informed decisions about their behavior in order to prevent further cases of imprisonment.

This was a defining moment in my life.

For the first time I knew what it was like to “do something” – to take a stand – to hopefully make a difference. I realized the importance of having access to information and how organizing can truly have a positive impact.

Today, I come to you as the new editor of the Gay & Lesbian Times. In this position, I enthusiastically accept the great responsibility of informing the public by providing the latest news and resources for the community. With a background in activism and politics, and with a profound respect for journalism, I have a grand vision for the Gay & Lesbian Times.

As editor, I am joining an already top-notch organization. Together we will be working hard to increase readership. I will focus on energizing the younger generation, motivating young adults to get involved in local politics and community events. Further, as a gay man, I want to learn more and educate others about the LBT portion of the GLBT community. This translates into increased efforts to cover lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues, while maintaining our dedication to the gay community. Indeed, our strength is in our diversity. Last, communication between the Gay & Lesbian Times and the San Diego community is paramount to the success and quality of our organization. I will be out in the community asking questions, finding out what the story is and, most importantly, listening.

On Sept. 16 and 17, the entire staff of the Gay & Lesbian Times will take a two day retreat to evaluate the paper, cover to cover. We would like to know what you think. If you have ideas, believe we are missing something, or think the paper needs more coverage of a specific issue – please let us know. My door is always open and would appreciate all of the input you can provide.

Before I conclude, I want to recognize Janet Saidi, interim editor for the Gay & Lesbian Times. Many readers may not realize it, but Janet has been a longtime friend to the Gay & Lesbian Times, writing for the paper in the late ’90s and as the editor of its then sister publication Uptown Newsmagazine. Janet will continue to contribute and play an important role in the editorial department.

And now we begin a new chapter in the history of the Gay & Lesbian Times. It could not be a more exciting time to join the team. With pressing issues such as same-sex marriage and the presidential election just ahead, I look forward to getting my hands dirty. As we continue to increase our readership in the GLBT community and beyond, rest assured, all of us here are working hard to educate San Diego on the struggles of this community and at the same time, celebrate for all of our extraordinary achievements.

From the editor’s desk

Russell O’Brien