Photo by Kristin Horgen
Almost four years ago, the first issue of Tagg Magazine hit stands all across the area in Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and Rehoboth Beach. Since its inception, we have been met with warm regards from readers, community organizations, and leaders; but more often than not, we are asked, “Why a queer women’s publication?”
And our response is always the same: “Because we matter.”
Our Community
As seen with many of today’s current events, media outlets tend to sensationalize. They tend to write articles and spin stories that always seem to privilege the majority. At Tagg, we take the opportunity to highlight the incredible lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer people who are taking great strides to make our communities stronger. The stories we write are done with our voices and cover our events.
After all, the women’s community is thriving, but often overlooked. We don’t see ourselves at local and national LGBTQ events and we
frequently hear that women are not represented in various LGBTQ organizations and events. Many feel that these organizations are not supportive of the queer women’s community. And because of this, some of us accept this as the norm.
The only way to be represented is to be involved, visible, and present. To take a note from Gandhi, we have to be the change we want to see.
We admire the women who don’t get discouraged at the lack of women (and people of color) represented in certain spaces, but instead ask themselves, “How can I be part of the solution?”
We cannot wait to be invited to the table. We should make our own table.
Capital Pride
Every year, Capital Pride offers a variety of women’s events and programs throughout the week, from a women’s poetry night to the Pride in the Sky rooftop party. There are opportunities for queer women of all ages to connect in safe and familiar spaces.
Capital Pride is one of the largest pride celebrations in the country, and it’s so important for women to be a part D.C.’s LGBTQ history. Year after year, we have personally seen more women involved with the weeklong celebration. It gives us great pride to see queer women hosting pride events, volunteering, participating, and being a part of the conversation.
Whether it’s Capital Pride or other LGBTQ events, we encourage you to continue to be visible. Stand tall and stand proud. Our voices and stories will continue to make a mark on our queer history…because we matter!
