Jose from Los Angeles covers the new issue of Elska | Photos: Provided
Liam Campbell, editor of gay bookazine Elska, tells Gay Star News about the journey of putting together his latest issue…
‘After 18 issues, this is our second to be made in the USA. The last time was the exact opposite side of the country in pretty Providence, Rhode Island. The two cities couldn’t be more different. They really show how much more diverse the USA is than many believe.
‘For us, choosing to make an issue in LA was about challenging stereotypes. As is often the case, some stereotypes are true. This is why you’ll notice a lot of palm trees, sunshine, big roads, and petrol stations. Yet most stereotypes are false. The guys we met were not at all self-obsessed, body-fascist star-fuckers. And as usual this Elska has a wide range of men presented equally and as equally beautiful and compelling.
‘This issue might actually be our most diverse yet, exemplary of a city that itself is so diverse yet often plagued by a racist history. Within the queer community however, or at least among the men we met for the issue, we felt such strong sense of commitment to making LA a place for everyone, not just perfect Hollywood types.
‘Although Elska doesn’t normally feature celebs, considering that LA is the centre of the entertainment industry, there are a few pretty well-known guys who ended up taking part in this issue. They include photographer Jeremy Lucido, comedian Drew Droege, and drag star Tammie Brown. But regardless of their fame, everyone had to play by Elsa’s rules. Natural, honest photography and intimate, personal stories rather than regurgitated press releases.
‘So open were Angelenos that a few of those even got a little bit frisky during their shoots’
‘This is our biggest issue yet, at 184 pages. More guys contacted us to take part in Elska Los Angeles than for any other issue. It was so hard to turn anyone down that we published 17 guys in the main Elska Los Angeles mag, and an additional five in our companion e-zine, Elska Ekstra Los Angeles.
‘As usual for Elska, some of the men chose to go nude for their shoots, and in this issue, over half did. So open were Angelenos that a few of those even got a little bit frisky during their shoots. There’s a few clues to that shown in the issue, but we try to keep Elska relatively “clean”. So the most scandalous images were shared in Elska Ekstra instead.
‘The men in this issue worked especially hard on their texts, making this issue one of the best we’ve ever published in terms of the stories. It’s testament to the work ethic of people in California and the desire to always put one’s best foot forward.
‘The cover for this issue was chosen through a vote of Elska’s annual subscribers and Patreon supporters. There were five choices, each with a different LA guy, and this was the winner.’
To see a list of where Elska Magazine is sold around the world or to order a copy online, visit elskamagazine.com.
