valid is a fictional quarterly magazine that focuses on the Canadian LGBTQ+ community. Exploring topics such as self-love, transitioning, and redefining gender, valid seeks to serve as a safe space for all individuals to express themselves, be vulnerable, valued, and celebrated.
Strategy
Approaching this project, I aspired to create a comprehensive publication on a topic that I had a curiosity for. Over the years the LGBTQ+ community in Canada has grown tremendously, and has also become more recognized and accepted. Having many friends who are part of the community, I realized that they each have such diverse and unique perspectives to share, but they lacked a platform to do so effectively.
Experience
It was important for this publication to be a culmination of stories, thoughts, and perspectives. Instead of writing and creating all the content, I looked to my LGBTQ+ friends to be contributors. Being able to work with them to both curate and create the content was a special experience, specifically, being able to art direct an intimate interview and photoshoot with my friend for the feature story.
Outcome
This first issue of valid not only celebrates the accomplishments made by these individuals, but also on the launch of the publication. I’m thankful for my contributors’ willingness to participate and be vulnerable in order to create such a meaningful project. This magazine is a celebration of you. It’s a celebration of your journey, your progress, your life, and a reminder that you are valid.
Credits
Contributing Writer: Alessandro Barone
Contributing Writer: Blake Harris
Contributing Writer & Model: Calvin Campos
Photography: Katelyn O’Brien
Art Direction & Graphic Design: Olivia Montagnese
Photography and writing credits are cited where appropriate.
Specs
Soft cover
8.34” x 11.7”
68 pages
Printer by Italic Press