OUGD601 - Practical Work - Issue 1 & Issue 2 Comparison

Comparing the two issues allows the future of queer publications to be considered. Issue one was created entirely around the ethos of the zine community, and placed accessibility amongst its most important considerations. From its unconventional design to its lo-fi production, the magazine embodied the legacy of zine culture in queer publications. The issue so far has been a success, and approximately 200 copies have been distributed either through conferences, independent bookshops or online. Although distribution has also remained largely within the queer community, rarely pushing outside of this boundary. Issue two, although not currently in circulation, has the potential to gain success at this level. Its commercial, some might say generic, design perhaps make it more accessible to the general public. Its higher production value would place the magazine amongst the higher rankings of independent magazines, which therefore enhances the power and capability of lesbian and queer voices in mainstream media. As concluded in the extended essay, the future of queer publications appears to be the increased utilisation of commercial design strategies, blended with the energy and spirit of the zine community to create viable, authentic platforms with far reach benefits for the queer community. Although research did warn that commercially led queer platforms have a tendency to put profit and gains over their audiences, the exposure that the queer community receives through these platforms has undoubtedly influenced the inclusion and acceptance of queer individuals in society today. Independent publications, such as About Honey, are hugely significant in the representation of queer history and queer present, and create the necessary space needed for queer future to exist.