The Back Story on the Cover Artist

John MacConnell, who created the stunning image of Governor Cuomo on our cover, feels deeply rooted in the LGBT community. Not only was he at the legendary Stonewall Inn when the announcement came in that the state of New York had voted in marriage equality, he just happened to be front and center in a photograph of celebrants that appeared on one of the most iconic newspaper covers documenting the historic event. Along with the news, it was an image that went around the world.

In addition to designing covers and appearing on them, MacConnell does freelance drawing, painting, and digital art. He’s also a professor at Long Island University teaching illustration and design, and he works full-time for Harlem United, a nonprofit providing HIV prevention, housing, and care services for homeless New Yorkers.

The artist says he was ecstatic to be asked to work on our cover. “This is an important issue of The Advocate, and I feel so fortunate that I’m able to be a part of this incredible moment in history.”

Take a peek at some of MacConnell's work in the following pages.