The three-year anniversary issue of the Dumfries & Galloway Queerier magazine can now be read at: https://issuu.com/dgqueerier/docs/dgqueerier_issue_6_digital_version_for_issue
Print copies of the magazine have been distributed to libraries, community centres, and local businesses across the region for the last two weeks.
This special issue marks the third anniversary of when a small group of LGBT+ creatives revived a newsletter (of the same name from 2009), and began to sketch out the first ever full-colour magazine edition of D&GQ. On 21st April 2018, D&GQ volunteers held a launch event at The Stove café, with local drag, comedy, and music performers, art, cake and glitter, with hundreds of copies of the first print issue distributed.
Since then, there have been two fundraisers, three editors, five issues, many fantastic volunteers and donations, and hundreds of readers and supporters.
D&GQ volunteer, Matthew L Byers says, “Volunteering for D&GQ was an amazing opportunity. It allowed me to express myself through my writing in a way that was incredibly liberating. My favourite experience as part of D&GQ was the photoshoot which appeared in the third issue. That was a fantastic day! I hope the magazine continues to grow and reach more people. It is a very important way to show LGBT+ folk that they are supported and loved.”
In 2019, D&GQ was present at Dumfries Pride. Former editor, Jimmy Russell says, “All 300 copies disappeared in only a few hours, and were taken further than Sanquhar and Stranraer – some were taken by folk fae Glasgow, Edinburgh, and even Carlisle! Incredible! So many exciting things have happened in Dumfries over the past decade, but the founding and continuation of D&GQ is among my most personally significant. I hope the increased visibility and sense of community we’re all creating together means that Doonhamers [people who live in Dumfries] who feel like they ‘don’t fit in’ are able to find themselves sooner than a lot of us could before now.”
“I’m thrilled to hear that the incredible D&GQ is entering its third year. This special magazine helped me feel like part of a community and allowed me to share my art and opinions with others. I feel so lucky to have participated in the beginning days of the D&GQ, and I look forward to seeing how it will grow and evolve in the years to come.” Ayla Fudala, artist and volunteer.
New volunteer, Kieren Kerr says, “I had a great time writing for D&GQ on issues related to the lack of representation in professional football. It’s a great outlet for LGBT+ people to be able to write and share their wide variety of interests and ideas. I definitely see it as a source of good within the local community.”
If you would like to find out more about D&GQ, please email: [email protected] Or find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DGQueerier
Or Instagram: @DGQueerier
More D&GQ issues are available via: https://issuu.com/dgqueerier
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