2002-2003 have been challenging years for Gertrude. In August 2002, the journal relocated to Portland, Oregon and we ran into a couple hurdles. First, our entire previous issue, Spring/Summer 2002, was lost by the US Postal Service. The issue was recovered but suffered water damage and was not salvageable. Second was the loss of my paternal grandmother. Third, I enrolled in a graduate MFA program at Antioch University Los Angeles. Gertrude almost didn’t make it.

In fact, just three days ago I decided not to continue publishing Gertrude. Then the unthinkable happened: JURY DUTY. Whether this was a prodding from a higher power or merely a coincidence, Jury Duty is what changed my mind. Why? Because I sat behind two individuals in their twenties, who were congratulating themselves on collecting signatures for an anti-gay marriage initiative to be placed on the State of Oregon’s ballot this November. Just three months ago, my partner and I became one of about 3,000 couples in Portland to be legally married. What struck me most was that these people had no clue about the rights and privileges that are denied same sex couples and unmarried heterosexual couples; and then it became clear to me. There aren’t many publications out there like Gertrude, literary journals that open others to a wider experience of expression. To lose more voices from outside the mainstream, especially at this moment in our history, isn’t acceptable.

I must be honest, however. Publishing a small press literary magazine is a tremendous undertaking, consuming many resources. And this is where readers and writers and artists share the responsibility of assuring the survival of small press and alternate expression. A few ways you can help:

1. Support small press literary magazines – subscribe, purchase sample copies, or donate. Without your support, fewer opportunities will be available for publication and ultimately, for expression.

2. Support independent bookstores! Barnes and Noble may be more convenient and has sexier lighting, however independents support a wider array of voices while corporations are defining what literature is published, and therefore what experiences and expressions are valued.

3. Read. Read. Read. To yourself, but most of all to your children, keeping the love of language and literature alive.

I regret any inconvenience that these past years have caused for our contributors and readers. However, I am excited to announce that our next issue will be published in early September. And as always, our readers can expect more of the high quality writing and art that they have come to expect.

Your support of the arts, and specifically, Gertrude, is appreciated!

Eric K. Delehoy