"Four years ago, I received a phone call from Betty Sullivan and Jennifer Viegas, the publishers of the San Francisco Bay Times, asking me to write a news column about items of interest to the local LGBTQ+ community. They were specifically interested in my perspective as a straight ally who has been supporting LGBTQ+ causes for four decades. I tried to protest, "But I'm not a writer!" That's when I learned that Betty and Jen are very persuasive. And persistent. In the immortal words of Star Trek, resistance was futile."
"With no experience, and great trepidation, I submitted my first article for the October 21, 2021, edition. Honestly, it was deadly boring. I listed some upcoming community events, but was too insecure to venture any of my own opinions. I pleaded with Betty and Jen again. "But I'm not a reporter! I don't know how to write about the news!" They heard me, and countered, "That's fine! Just write whatever you like.""
"Who could resist such a generous offer? That's when this column became "In Case You Missed It," focusing on events, organizations, and people in the community who were making a difference, but that may have flown under the radar. I started shining a light on causes that I cared deeply about, and that I figured other people would care about, too."
Betty Sullivan and Jennifer Viegas asked Joanie Juster to provide a straight-ally perspective informed by four decades of LGBTQ+ support. Initial efforts began in October 2021 with listings of upcoming community events delivered with hesitancy and insecurity. The focus evolved into a sustained spotlight titled "In Case You Missed It," intended to highlight organizations, events, and people making a difference but flying under the radar. Juster emphasized causes she cared about, participated in community actions such as the No Kings protest and AIDS Memorial Quilt activities, and cites a March 2022 conversation with Mark Leno as pivotal encouragement to continue.
Read at San Francisco Bay Times
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