Openness may not completely disarm prejudice, but it's a good place to start.— Jason Collins, first openly gay athlete in U.S. pro sports.

First off, I'd like to whole-heartedly welcome every single one of you to the official, SECOND issue of THE DEAD MAG. It thrills me to no end when I think about the fact that we've successfully conquered the first month, and we're only growing. It's such a proud moment for not just me, but everyone who worked to make this month's issue a huge success. Kudos 🎉✨

Alright now, since the pleasantries are out of the way: let me begin my "brief" introduction to the theme we're circling around this month. 
I'd love nothing more than to start with a sophisticated definition about how things work, but that would be antithetic to the whole concept of the LGBTQ+ Community. Let's elucidate on this for a while.

The entire premise of the existence of people belong to the LGBTQ+ community is the fact that they defy agreed upon social norms that held us back. Once, people refused to give into the pressure of society and its dire need to dictate how exactly we're supposed to live our lives, and in doing so, they radicalized actuality as we know it. It was rebellion in its finest, most prestigious form, and it is our honour that we get to live in a time where we can bask in the glory of the freedom to love whoever you want.

Of course, not everything is sunshine and rainbows; it never has been, and I doubt it ever will be. People of the LGBTQ+ Community have had to struggle for decades, and their victory over conservative ideas that could possibly lead to the downfall of the ever-evolving mankind is proved by factors like legalising gay marriages, the constant fight for trans rights, and all the things in between.

August feels like the beginning of fall; a season where we get to reform ourselves and cleanse ourselves of any previous negativity and shed all our leaves, only to have them grow back fresher and more beautiful than ever. We learn and we grow, and there is nothing more miraculous than expanding our understanding of things and how they work. Being more accepting and kind towards people. It's such a positive feeling.

I think the theme does justice to the promises that this month offers, and the peaceful vibes it emits. There is always space for being better versions of ourselves, especially through educating ourselves about this very important part of us all, as a community of people. Why be bitter when you can be loving and forgiving? To quote Taylor Swift, "Why are you mad, when you could be GLAAD?" Why do we limit ourselves in such a way as to refuse to acknowledge our own kind, only because they're different?
In the very words of Rita Mae Brown—"The only queer people are those who don't love anybody."

To talk about homophobia and transphobia would be an absolute waste of time because:

1. I believe that if we collectively decide to not accept the concept of something, it ceases to hold importance

2. It isn't really "phobia" per se. No one is scared of anything. Queer people can't hurt you. It's not a terror plaguing any of us, it's just people being mean and complete arseholes to other people because they wouldn't behave the way they would have liked them to.

Whatever the reasons may be, I still think that it is important to educate people who are still unaware, that yes, being queer is valid and perfectly "normal". If you think people refuse to adhere to your warped definitions of "normal", perhaps the problem lies within your mind, and not theirs. 

Okay, moving on to a quick countdown of the articles being featured this month (before I lose my train of thought any more than I already have) —
First up is A Rendezvous With The Stars, back for season 2, and an absolute classic. Get ready to read all about your favourite stars with this *glittering* QnA!

Next up we have a new, but highly recommended section called "A Letter to the Beloved" where us fans relate majorly to this emotion that is falling in love with a special character. And then, for the best part, getting to write to them about it!

Another section that's back for another season, and isn't going away anytime soon, is "From the Top Shelf" where the founder introduces you to the book that made the cut as Book of the Month. I'm pretty sure it'll tickle your fancy, and perhaps gain a read or two? ;)

Again, introducing two brand new articles, Ouvre Les Yeux, which roughly translates to Open your Eyes in French, and What History Says, which features a look back at all the accomplishments and struggles of the LGBTQ+ community. 

Music to My Ears talks about music (well, duh) that makes you feel alive and refreshed and in your element. Go check it out to see if you have similar tastes as the writer! You truly are unique, my friend, and that's inspirational. But having people share the same taste in music with you? That's phenomenal. 

Last but never the least, we talk about upcoming announcements, footnotes and a lot more in Postscript, so make sure to tune in! 

With all that, I bid you adieu (until we meet next time, of course), and wish you a sweet, sweet time exploring our magazine. 

Another unrelated request: Please fall in love. If you have been broken before, then do it  all over again. There is no manual to this thing; there are no rules. Love is love, and it's glorious. That's all for today. :)

With never-ending love,
Co-founder and Editor,
DoveMalfoy19