I still remember my first conversation with Steve Polyak, publisher of then GayCalgary.com Magazine. I had been asked to do some writing for another project that ended up dying on the vine pretty quickly, and in that conversation Steve mentioned that he had just launched a new magazine. My first byline was in issue #2 – stories on Crown’s for Kids and a profile on Boyztown.

Ninety-nine issues later others have taken over the community event coverage while I’ve focused on Arts and Entertainment. I am one of the few that has been a part of this magazine since (almost) day one. Although it has changed format and look, grown to include other cities, and been through ups and downs, at it has stayed the same in the respect that two guys named Steve and Rob have worked tirelessly to provide something for the LGBT community.

It wasn’t until August 2005 that we snared our first celebrity interview – a cover feature on Bif Naked.  It speaks to how respected this magazine and its readership have become, that we now feature celebrities on the cover so consistently. We’ve attended three Juno Awards and been praised for articles on artists like Dallas Green, Howie Dorough, and Jann Arden. I never in a million years thought that I would pick up the phone to hear Dolly Parton’s drawl on the other end, or speak to members of bands that I grew up listening to like The Tea Party, Our Lady Peace and The Barenaked Ladies.

I do hope that some of our articles on newer talents like Jeffrey Straker, Serena Ryder or Laurell resulted in our readers giving them a listen. For every Madonna or Gaga there are 100 artists trying to break out and I am ecstatic that we’ve been able to help you discover them. I’ve reviewed hundreds of concerts and theatre productions in Calgary and have enjoyed bringing Calgary’s Arts and Entertainment scene to you.

Human beings are dreamers. Some of us dream of pulling off a spectacular drag look or a performance that brings the house down. We dream of being actors, singers, parents, business owners. Non-profits dream of successful events that allow them to continue the incredible work that they do. In Alberta, GayCalgary has been an integral part of that dream for so many people. There are many times that I have had to pinch myself because of an interview or something else happening that came about from working for this magazine.

For over 8 years we’ve worked hard to bring these dreams to you. I hope you’ve enjoyed it as much as I have loved doing it. From the bottom of my heart, thank you each and every one of you for reading my articles and supporting the magazine and its advertisers.

Most importantly thank you Steve and Rob. You’ve given me and others so much, and continue to do so. I look forward to what the future brings, and the next 100 editions.