In case you haven’t heard the news, the Gay & Lesbian Times is gearing up to launch Uptown Publications’ much-anticipated entertainment magazine, slated to hit the streets May 26. To make this happen, we’ve merged with Hale Internet Marketing group (HIM), better known around town as SD Pix, to produce a fresh, sexy and technologically superior product designed to capture the essence of San Diego’s gay nightlife.

We’ve decided not to announce the name of our new magazine. We figure once you pick it up, you’ll know it’s the one.

Working in tandem with Uptown, HIM will provide technology-based services to clients and readers, creating one complete resource including print, publication, entertainment, photography and a greater Web marketing presence.

“Our clients will benefit from the sense that not only will they now be able to advertise in a really hot publication,” said Johnathan Hale, president and CEO of HIM, “but they will look to us to assist them with Web site development services, hosting e-mail, e-mail subscription-based services, VIP programs, promotion and event photography. Everything you can dream of to promote an event, now you can do with one phone call.”

Johnathan Hale will join us as Uptown’s new vice president of sales and marketing, while remaining president of HIM.

HIM brings over 10 years of expertise in Web and graphic design and internet marketing services. Paired with the GLT’s 16-plus years as San Diego’s paper of record, the new publication will seamlessly tie these two companies’ skill sets together into producing a quality magazine.

“Johnathan is the perfect fit to help launch our new product and to help Uptown Publications transition to better serve our clients’ changing needs,” said Gay & Lesbian Times Publisher Michael Portantino. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and incredible energy to our existing team. In two and half years here in San Diego, Johnathan has made SD Pix a household name. Our new sexy, fun, glossy, full-color magazine will certainly entertain, and inform the reader. Look for the new magazine, look for changes to the Gay & Lesbian Times print and online editions, and keep signing on to inthepix.com to see your pictures.”