Hi, my name is Adrian. I’m a trans and bisexual Filipino man. You may be familiar with my work as editorial assistant for Community Edition. I’ve written about trans healthcare, the housing crisis, the Wilmot land expropriation and disability rights. I am very excited to take up the mantel of being editor-in-chief. There are a lot of things I want to say—it’s my first editor’s note after all—but this is also the introduction of a new volume of Community Edition.
On Sept. 3, 2026, Community Edition both literally and figuratively opened its doors to the community. We invited our volunteers, staff, contributors, readers and community members to come into our working space. There we talked about the future of our beloved newspaper, as well as where we are now and where we’ve been before. We had visitors design and cut-out letters which creative director Kelsi Sorensen then compiled into our brand-new flag—it’s strange to see the Lobster font go, but it felt like time.
We brainstormed the values and the mission we have as a newspaper. We talked about productions past and shared how we piece the paper together.
It warmed my heart to see the people who make Community Edition come together and work towards a common goal. It was a manifestation of what I have wanted for a long time now; community. Specifically, to feel connected with my community.
Writing this now, I find myself putting up walls to what I should share, what cards to keep close to my chest.
But I want to be intentional. I want to do things with a purpose, especially as editor.
If the sun burns out tonight, would I be happy with the mark I’ve left on the world? The honest answer to that is no. I feel like there is a lot I want to do before that time comes. My goal as editor is to ensure the future of Community Edition.
Our mission is to build social infrastructure and preserve local culture by providing a platform for community information, opinions and art.
Our vision is to pioneer independent, audience-supported journalism in Waterloo Region, preserving the stories of our community through the permanent integrity of print.
And my name is Adrian. I’m the editor-in-chief of Community Edition. Welcome to volume 15.
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