The LGBTQ+ community is the emphasis of Lavender Magazine, an American biweekly print and web publication based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In the Twin Cities region, as well as in sections of Minnesota and western Wisconsin, it has been providing free distribution to Minnesota’s LGBTQ+ community since 1995. News, the arts, entertainment, nightlife, community discussion, sports, and travel are just a few of the many subjects covered by the magazine. Lavender publishes special editions, such as the biggest annual Pride issue in the country, and has an independently audited circulation of over 260,000 every issue. Among its many honors is the Minnesota Magazine & Publishing Association’s Magazine of the Year. Additionally, lavender magazine participates in digital media and community activities.
How has Lavender Magazine influenced Minnesota’s LGBTQ community
Given that over 75% of the LGBTQ community in Minnesota resides in the suburbs, Lavender Magazine has had a tremendous impact on the community by acting as a vital link for a geographically dispersed group. Since its establishment in 1995, Lavender has promoted a feeling of visibility and inclusiveness by offering award-winning coverage of news, entertainment, the arts, community discussions, and events that are pertinent to LGBTQ people.
Over 260,000 people have read the magazine’s biweekly print and digital editions, which contribute to the community’s connection and knowledge. In order to foster community cohesiveness and celebrate LGBTQ culture, it also plans well-liked events like the monthly “First Thursdays” party and the annual Pride Edition, which is the biggest Pride magazine in the country.
In general, Lavender has adjusted to shifting media environments and times, staying current by updating its content and retaining solid corporate backing, guaranteeing that it will always be a reliable source and voice for Minnesota’s LGBTQ community. Its durability and versatility highlight its significance as a cultural icon and community mainstay.
What are upcoming events hosted by Lavender Magazine
Lavender Magazine organizes and advertises a number of events, including:
- Lavender sale, a regular lesbian-focused art and resource sale at Boyfriend Co-Op, will take place on September 21.
- Lesbian Game Night, a laid-back gathering for the BIPOC sapphic community, is presented by Lavender Lounge.
- The Twin Cities region has “First Thursdays” festivities every month.
- Community events and cultural gatherings are part of the annual Pride Edition and festivities.
- promotion and coverage of a variety of LGBTQ+ events in the area, including Trans Joy Fest, Minnesota United FC Pride Night, and Minnesota Twins Pride Day.
Seasonal events such as concerts, arts festivals, and Pride events around Minnesota are also highlighted on the magazine’s website and through its partners.
Since they often alter their event listings, it is advised to visit Lavender Magazine’s official website or social media accounts for the most up-to-date and comprehensive list of their unique future events.
Who are the key contributors to Lavender Magazine
Lavender Magazine’s principal staff members and contributors include:
- Stephen Rocheford, CEO and President
- Vice President of Sales and Advertising Barry Leavitt
- Nathan Johnson is an author, community planner, organizer, and LGBTQ advocate.
- Linda Raines, Editorial Assistant and Sales and Event Coordinator
- Mike Hnida, Director of Creative and Digital
- The Chief Financial Officer, Doug Starkebaum
- Michael Winikoff, assistant in administration
- Distribution Manager, Metro Periodical Partners
- Shane Lueck, Communications and Digital Content Marketing
In order to provide Minnesota’s LGBTQ+ community with a wide variety of material, the magazine also depends on a number of contributing authors, photographers, and editors. In order to sustain its position as a major media platform for the LGBTQ+ community in Minnesota, Lavender Magazine has a committed staff with experience in sales, creative production, administration, and digital marketing.
Conclusion
The LGBTQ+ community in Minnesota has benefited greatly from Lavender Magazine’s steady, high-caliber coverage of LGBTQ+ news, culture, and events since it was established in 1995 by George Holdgrafer and Stephen Rocheford. Considering how dispersed Minnesota’s LGBTQ population is, it has emerged as a vital component of community connectedness. Despite difficulties in the print media sector, the magazine has never had to declare bankruptcy and is renowned for printing the biggest annual Pride Edition in the country since 2001.
Lavender’s brilliance and impact are demonstrated by the more than 100 honors it has received from the Minnesota Magazine & Publishing Association, including Magazine of the Year in 2016. The founders—George Holdgrafer in particular—contributed not just as editorial leaders but also as mentors and historians, thoroughly chronicling Minnesota’s LGBTQ+ past.
Through its biweekly print and online editions, as well as numerous events that promote inclusiveness and connection, the magazine’s goal remains centered on appealing to and serving Minnesota’s LGBTQ+ readers while promoting community visibility, activism, and culture.
In conclusion, Lavender Magazine is a well-known and influential LGBTQ+ media organization in Minnesota that is renowned for its commitment, historical relevance, connections to the community, and superior journalism.
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