Representation, Storytelling, and Community at the Heart of Flintside’s Newest Managing Editor, Xzavier V. Simon

FLINT, Michigan—When I first began writing for Flintside in late 2019 under emeritus editor Xandr Brown, and later Patrick Hayes, I didn’t realize that what started as an opportunity to tell other people’s stories would become a deeper calling—a commitment to documenting the spirit, brilliance, and humanity of this city.

From conversations with artists and educators to features on community advocates and changemakers, each story became a reflection of what makes Flint not just resilient, but radiant. Flintside isn’t just another publication—it’s a living, breathing archive of who we are.

Today, I’m honored to share that I have stepped into the role of Interim Managing Editor of Flintside. To now have the opportunity to guide the storytelling of such a vital platform is both humbling and inspiring.

I follow in the footsteps of Tia Scott, whose compassion, creativity, and leadership helped shape Flintside into the trusted community publication it is today—a space rooted in authenticity, love, and truth.

This moment is deeply personal for me. It’s not just a milestone in my career—it’s a representation of something bigger than myself. I am proud to be Flintside’s first Black male and first openly LGBTQIA+ managing editor, a distinction that carries profound meaning not only for me, but for the many BIPOC and queer creatives, professionals, and community leaders who rarely see themselves reflected in positions of editorial power and public storytelling.

Representation matters. I carry that understanding with me in everything I do, knowing that visibility isn’t just symbolic—it’s transformative. My presence here is built on the strength and resilience of those who came before me, who made it possible for someone like me to take up this space unapologetically.

As a storyteller, I know what it feels like to search for belonging—to want to see your truth reflected with care and dignity. Through writing and community work, I’ve found purpose in reclaiming those narratives and ensuring that others can see themselves, their joy, and their complexity honored on the page.

That mission led me to create The Modern Queer, a publication and multimedia platform dedicated to sharing the stories of BIPOC LGBTQIA+ individuals across Flint and beyond. Through this initiative—and events like Rainbow in the Rust and Queer Brunch @ Night—I’ve helped build spaces that celebrate identity, creativity, and healing. For me, storytelling is not simply a creative act—it’s an act of survival, affirmation, and liberation.

My work in higher education and community engagement has only deepened that belief. As the Interim Associate Director of CMU GEAR UP, I work alongside students who are often first-generation and low-income, helping them see that their voices and dreams matter. The same philosophy I bring to that work—one rooted in education, empowerment, and possibility—is the same energy I bring to Flintside.

As Interim Managing Editor, my goal is to continue Flintside’s legacy while expanding the possibilities of storytelling in and for Flint. I want this publication to remain a platform where creativity, culture, and community converge—where stories about art, education, wellness, and identity are told by and for the people who live them.

Flint is a tapestry of stories that deserve to be told with care, pride, and purpose. I want Flintside’s pages to reflect that tapestry—to help readers see the best in themselves and in their city.

To everyone who has trusted me with your story over the years—thank you. Your trust and support have shaped my journey and affirmed my purpose. You’ve shown me that storytelling is both a responsibility and a love language. I carry that truth with me as I step into this role, determined to make sure Flintside remains a home for stories that honor who we are, where we’ve been, and where we’re going.

With gratitude, pride, and purpose,

 — Xzavier V. Simon