Hi,
Welcome to a history of My Comrade, "the revolutionary gay magazine." Down the road, we're going to be posting tons of stuff from the publication's rich past. So be sure to visit again.
Also, please know that the fun continues at MyComrade.com.
See you there!
Linda Simpson, Editor
HISTORY
In 1987, My Comrade burst forth on NYC's queer underground. The feisty zine soon established itself as the court jester of the gay press, garnering a devoted cult following and praise galore. "A real gem," declared the Village Voice. "A leading purveyor of avant-garde gay and lesbian humor," hailed Interview magazine.
Over the next seven years, My Comrade published 11 issues, often experimenting with different sizes and formats, but always retaining its distinctive black-and-white graphic design. The magazine also managed to morph from a shoestring-budget zine into a not-quite-mainstream publication with national circulation, the support of dozens of advertisers and a paid circulation of over 2,000 readers.
In 1994, the magazine went on a long hiatus, but was born again in 2004 with a brand new issue (#12) featuring a slick makeover. Another issue followed in Spring 2006 featuring the magazine's first color cover. Throughout its history, the magazine has been masterminded by its founders, journalist Les Simpson and his drag-queen alter ego Linda Simpson.
Scores of gay publications have appeared since My Comrade debuted, but none have come close to duplicating the magazine's spirited, campy and defiant sensibility. To this day, readers savor their precious copies, and the magazine occupies a unique spot in the history of gay media.