There was a time when queer life was clandestine; before secretive pubs and bars opened up in big cities. Slowly, those spaces grew into more visible gay villages ("gay" back then being a catch-all term for LGBTQ+). As the community has grown and stepped more fully into the light-although in too many countries, this remains far from the case-so has the need for a greater range of spaces to cater for a broader array of tastes, hobbies, and desires. To reflect this kaleidoscope of queerdoms, GQ has assembled a collective of activists and innovators from around the world who are working to shape the new age of LGBTQ+ spaces. From encouraging trans women to face their fears at swimming pools in Berlin to revitalizing Madrid's ballroom scene, there are Usher-soundtracked, women-only events in bougie Parisian nightclubs and podcasts starting difficult conversations around the trans community in Italy. Some are pushing the global fashion industry into giving greater opportunities to queer designers, and others are fighting for marriage equality in Japan. It's not always easy-everyone here is grappling with complex intersectional issues, fast-moving identity shifts, and sometimes staunchly prejudiced and discriminatory institutions. But, as we learn, they're doing it with passion, sensitivity, and grit.
A DESIGNER OPENING FASHION'S DOORS
EMMAN DEBATTISTA
London
A creative consultant for fashion brands, including GmbH and Trussardi, Debattista is using her position and Indo-Fijian and Mediterranean background to create greater opportunities for other queer brown people.
Esta historia es de la edición June - August 2023 de GQ India.
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Esta historia es de la edición June - August 2023 de GQ India.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
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THE FUTURE SOUNDS LIKE AT EEZ
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He's the most influential designer of the past decade. He's also the most controversial. Now the creative director of Balenciaga is exploring a surprising source of inspiration: happiness. GQ's Samuel Hine witnesses the dawn of Demna's new era, in Paris, New York, and Shanghai. Photographs by Jason Nocito.
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Penning History
Montblanc marks 100 years of its iconic Meisterstück with new writing instruments inspired by the 1924 Olympic Games.
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Louis Vuitton's New Beat
The luxury maison's latest addition to the Tambour line reiterates its commitment to watchmaking and craftsmanship.