Elska Magazine, a publication dedicated to showcasing the bodies and voices of LGBTQ+ communities worldwide, has released its latest issue featuring Singapore’s queer community. Singapore, known for its modern and affluent society, is also a conservative and authoritarian place where homophobia is formalized in law and censorship is strictly enforced. However, despite this, the country has been lauded by many as the home of the next great LGBTQ+ rights movement.
Elska’s editor and chief photographer, Liam Campbell, was initially hesitant to feature Singapore in the magazine due to the country’s “Undesirable Publications Act,” which specifically targets publications that promote “normalizing homosexual lifestyles” and nudity, which is considered broadly obscene. However, upon hearing from more and more Singaporeans about the advancement of queer society in the country, Campbell was intrigued and decided to feature the city-state’s LGBTQ+ community in the magazine.
The resulting issue breaks all the rules and shatters stereotypes, featuring a cross-section of ordinary men from Singapore’s queer community. The magazine’s naked issue is also the most naked issue ever made in Asia, according to Campbell. The images and personal stories of Singaporean queer men featured in the issue showcase the country’s bold and defiant population, which is ready to be seen and heard.
Despite the legal challenges and censorship faced by Singapore’s LGBTQ+ community, Elska Magazine’s latest issue shows that the community is strong, passionate, and ready to make its mark. Through this issue, readers can get up close and personal with a diverse and evolving community that is breaking down barriers and pushing for change.
