Elska Magazine’s thirty-seventh issue, published over a year ago, shines a spotlight on Bern, Switzerland, and its diverse LGBTQ community. Elska’s approach to capturing the queer experience through intimate photography and authentic storytelling reveals the beauty and imperfections of this picturesque city and its inhabitants.
Over a dozen local men are featured in the issue, each photographed in their homes and on the streets of Bern, dressed in their own unique style or sometimes not dressed at all. In addition to the striking portraits, the men share their personal stories, giving readers a glimpse into their lives and the challenges they face as part of the LGBTQ community.
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While Switzerland may be known for its natural beauty and progressive policies, the experiences of the LGBTQ community are universal. The publication arrived in Bern just a week after the country’s legalization of marriage equality, a long-awaited victory for many. Yet, the stories and imagery captured by Elska reveal that there is still work to be done to ensure that everyone feels welcome and accepted in their own country.
Despite initial concerns that Switzerland’s perceived perfection might not fit Elska’s celebration of imperfection, the publication’s portrayal of Bern’s LGBTQ community reveals the city’s vibrancy and unique character. Through the lens of Elska’s intimate photography and honest storytelling, readers are transported to Bern and introduced to the extraordinary men who call it home.
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