Letter from the Editor in Chief: Welcome to a new era of Attitude!
We're embarking on an exciting new era as we enter our 25th year.
By Will Stroude
Tina Turner turned to rock ‘n’ roll. Madonna had her Ray of Light. Mariah found Emancipation. Miley Cyrus delivered Bangerz. Beyoncé served Lemonade.
Every so often, there comes a point in a diva’s career when they take a giant leap into new territory. Not so much a turning away from the past, but more embracing the future and redefining their place in the industry.
This month, Attitude takes a confident stride forward with a new look, format and content. It comes 18 months after Stream Publishing bought the title — somewhat unbelievably bringing the magazine under gay ownership for the first time.
Stream owner Darren Styles previously published his own gay magazine, Winq, and rather than produce two competing gay titles, it made better business sense to merge the brands, bringing the best of both into one slick and sophisticated yet sassy product, injecting new vision and vitality into the magazine you are reading now.
We’re delivering more pages, on better paper stock, with original photography from some of the industry’s edgiest talents, complemented by writing from some truly diverse and insightful names in the LGBT+ community.
At its core is the industry standard in exclusive interviews, from pop prince Troye Sivan, to the living embodiment of sainthood that is Serena McKellen, via RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars winner Trixie Mattel. Attitude’s proud political and social conscience remains solid — in this issue we have features on HIV funding and Matthew Todd’s analysis of the enduring legacy of Section 28, that truly heinous piece of past government legislation.
Our readers’ stories also remain at our heart, and this month we share the real-life tale of a gay member of the African Xhosa community, while Scottee gives a raw account of fat shaming.
We’re not relaunching, because what came before was pretty damn good. It’s not a reinvention, because we were industry leaders already. It’s more a case of refreshing ourselves as Attitude enters its 25th year. But before we celebrate our colossal silver anniversary in 12 months’ time, there’s plenty to get excited about in 2018.
The Attitude Pride Awards are just two months away and the magazine celebrates its 300th issue in August. Attitude is also proud media partners of Brighton & Hove Pride and Manchester Pride, and the Virgin Holidays Attitude Awards, powered by Jaguar, return to London’s Roundhouse on 11 October. That’s just some of what we have in the diary over the next six months. [Takes a deep breathe, reaches for the valium…]
Before I sign off, there are some people I really must say an immense “THANK YOU” to for staying sane and calm during the past few weeks as the magazine underwent its most dramatic evolution ever. First, to our art director Gary and chief sub editor Hugh who have endured endless early mornings and late nights. Huge thanks go to our assistant editor Tim whose editorial skills are only matched by his sharp shady side-eye, fashion director Joseph’s impeccable taste, contributing editor Owen, and the wider team in design, fashion, sales and digital who have all worked hard to deliver my proud first issue.
Enjoy!
Cliff Jouannou, Editor in Chief
Attitude’s June issue is out now with two special edition covers featuring Troye Sivan and Sir Ian McKellen. Buy now and take advantage of our best-ever subscription offers: 3 issues for £3 in print, 13 issues for £19.99 to download to any device.
Troye Sivan
Photography: Damon Baker
Styling: Joseph Kocharian
Grooming: Brady Lea
Ian McKellen
Photography: Damon Baker
Styling: Joseph Kocharian
Grooming: Zoe Moore