Elska, a unique project dedicated to showcasing the bodies and voices of LGBTQ communities worldwide, has set its sights on Bangkok, Thailand for its latest captivating edition. Within the pages of this publication, readers will be immersed in the stories and experiences of a diverse cross-section of ordinary men from Bangkok’s LGBTQ community. Through intimate photographs and personal narratives, Elska unveils the captivating essence of what is arguably Asia’s most vibrant and queerest city.
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Liam Campbell, the editor and chief photographer of Elska, expresses the significance of featuring Bangkok. “This marks our forty-third adventure, and we always knew that Bangkok had to be on our list,” declares Campbell. “It was like having a special treat waiting for us, a destination that would allow us to create an issue that felt like a holiday. Ultimately, we chose Bangkok because it received the most votes in a poll conducted among our loyal readers. It turns out that their enthusiasm for the city rivalled my own.”
Campbell goes on to share the unexpected revelations encountered during their time in Bangkok. “Bangkok defied my preconceived notions, especially when it came to capturing Elska,” he reflects. “I had been fixated on stereotypes of the Thai capital as a debaucherous paradise, a city of heathens. However, I discovered that Bangkok truly lives up to its Thai name, ‘Krung Thep,’ which translates to ‘city of angels’. The individuals we met here exhibited a surprising level of reserve and modesty. This issue of Elska is filled with delightful surprises, which is what I love most about our project as a whole.”
Presented in ‘Elska Bangkok’ and its companion zine ‘Elska Ekstra Bangkok,’ readers will be introduced to thirteen remarkable individuals from the local queer community. Each subject has been photographed in various locations throughout Bangkok, showcasing their unique personal style. Additionally, they have opened their homes, sometimes even shedding their clothing, to provide readers with an intimate glimpse into their lives. Each participant has also penned a personal story, written in either English or Thai (with English translations provided), allowing readers to forge deeper connections.
Find out more at www.elskamagazine.com
