Hi, Letters readers!
I’m Beth Shockley—your new editor—and I’m more than thrilled and humbled to take the helm of this amazing and wonderful magazine. I’ve been in the communications and journalism business for 40 years, but I’ve never had the chance to write/edit as an out lesbian, so this is an incredible opportunity and one I look forward to more than you can know.
I was born and raised on the Delmarva Peninsula but surprisingly, growing up, I didn’t know that Rehoboth Beach was a gay haven. So, when I came out in my 20s, I began visiting from DC, where I lived at the time. I can’t tell you how thrilling it was to discover CAMP Rehoboth years later and especially Letters. Every time I’d come back, I would look for the yellow boxes and grab a copy. It made me feel part of the community—like I was home. And it still does.
So, let’s take a look at what’s inside this issue. This month we focus on health and wellness. We’re hearing a lot about “corona-exhaustion”—all-COVID-all-the-time. But there’s no way around exploring our feelings about it, and we have numerous stories that do just that. Experiences are important to share, whether good or bad.
We present a hopeful account from a man on the frontlines volunteering in the effort to provide COVID-19 vaccines to the people who need them most. Also, a first-hand account of what it’s like to get the vaccine. In addition, we have a guest column from Clarence Fluker about his relationship with his body’s health and well-being.
Lots of folks in this issue are talking about what this past year has been like for them, from complete isolation to meeting in their safe companion pods, and venturing out—following CDC guidelines—to take walks on our beloved beach.
But, in keeping with the spirit of CAMP Rehoboth, this issue is not all-COVID-all-the-time. We have a new column from CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director David Mariner, who will be bringing us LGBTQ related news and ideas—especially what’s happening in our great state of Delaware. He opens his new column, “Out in Delaware,” with a rundown on anti-discrimination bills pending at Legislative Hall.
In addition, we’ve got the personality-filled column by Development Director Anita Broccolino, called “Who’s That,” which features a few of the hard-working supporters who help CAMP Rehoboth succeed. We hope the features in this issue will keep you thinking and entertained. That’s my goal, anyway.
And although we have no further news at the moment, the US House of Representatives did pass the Equality Act, banning discrimination against people based on sexual orientation and gender identity. It now heads to the US Senate for an uncertain future. We will keep you posted. Here’s hoping it can become the law of the land.
Enjoy this issue of Letters and stay safe, please.
Beth