Things are hotting up in the northern hemisphere as summer, the Pride season, and new-season swimwear arrive like a warm ocean breeze on a balmy evening… well, that’s what I imagine anyway. I’m in the southern hemisphere where it is currently a very chilly winter.
So putting together this month’s swimwear issue has shone a little sunshine my way. The designers and brands featured in this issue are all doing amazing work, bringing colours and cuts and incredible designs – and looking for ways to produce fashion in environmentally responsible ways. Even if you don’t see yourself wearing some of this gear, you will enjoy seeing it on others.
I interviewed Sean Ashby of aussieBum this month, too. For 23 years, his company has been exporting sexy swimwear and an aspirational version of masculinity to the world. But Sean is now tackling the big issues facing the fashion industry: how to make fashion eco-friendly and protect workers. He’s also quietly supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, this year sponsoring The Bingham Cup, the world cup of gay rugby, being held in Rome.
I’ve known Sean for years and he’s always spoken his mind. In our interview he frankly discusses masculinity and its challenges, his respect for the trans community, and how early knockbacks helped propel aussieBum to the success it enjoys today.
While there’s plenty to look at in this issue, there are some compelling features, too. Ten Years With HIV is a very important story, shared with us by James Wright. He explains how shame, stubbornness and his fear of HIV stigma destroyed his life after he became HIV-positive. James’ is a cautionary tale, and thankfully, there is redemption at the end. But it’s a must-read for everyone to help us understand more about how destructive HIV stigma can be.
The latest in our Conversations With The Elders features is the remarkable story of Herb Diamond, now 94 and going strong. In fact, he recently married his husband, John Ring, 52, making them Mr and Mr Diamond-Ring. But his story begins in Cleveland, Ohio in October 1929, so there are many stories and, gosh, he’s had a lot of sex over the course of his lifetime!
Music superstar Lil Nas X is of a completely different generation, and we review his sexy new documentary, shot during his first tour of the US. Travel writer Robert La Bua takes us to Thessaloniki in Greece, which hosts EuroPride this year. Andrew Mercado gives us the low-down on Heartbreak High (which we have renamed Gay School). And, you may not know him yet, but up-and-coming gay comedian Carmelo Costa will have you chuckling with his Last Word interview.
Happy Pride, enjoy summer.
Andrew Creagh, Founding Editor
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