Since its inception, QX has championed gay rights and issues like no other magazine can.
Of course, there are other magazines that proudly represent the queer voice, like Attitude and Gay Times. Both of them are tremendously impressive titles as national publications that are distributed across the UK and, equally as vital, reach those gay guys in the more remote parts of the UK where there is little or no gay scene. In the days before the internet and social media (and still even today) those titles were often the only lifeline to a gay community for many people.
However, QX was different in that it focused its attention on the burgeoning London scene. With such a dense population of LGBT people, combined with the capital being the political, financial and creative centre of the UK, QX was in a position to shout louder and be heard directly by the influential figures that needed to hear our message. As a weekly title, QX could also react faster to news and the pertinent issues of the moment; after the Admiral Duncan bombing in 1999, the story made our cover. And crucially, as a free title that was distributed in clubs, bars, gay friendly retailers and health centres it spoke directly to the people that needed to hear about the issues that affected the gay community. While we may not have enjoyed the high profile of the newsstand titles, the reach of our readership was undoubtedly impressive and spoke directly to the heart of the community.
Yes, QX adorns on its covers reams of handsome men, and runs pages upon pages of frivolous gays kicking their heels up in bountiful abandon in clubs and bars across the city. Yes, we celebrate the sometimes more flighty aspects of gay culture, from pop music to fashion to the body beautiful. But life is all about Balans, right? Sorry, I meant BALANCE. Life is all about balance, and if we’re going to celebrate the exuberance of living an indulgent lifestyle, then we are very much aware that we have a responsibility to also tick our karmic boxes and do some good, too.
We at QX know that we have a responsibility to educate and inform people in a non-judgmental manner about the drugs they are necking every weekend. (And weekday, knowing some of you as we do.) We know we have to highlight the problems that gay men face today, from mental health issues to HIV awareness. We also need to let you know which political parties and institutions are looking to halt the march towards equality. Finally, we have a duty to inform you about the gross injustices that continue to take place around the world to LGBT people who live in fear of being open about their sexuality.
So, that’s just what we do.
