LGBTQ magazines synchronise covers in support of gender non-conforming communities
Activist, model and “gender capitalist” Rain Dove will be the first openly non-binary person to appear on DIVA’s cover since the magazine‘s launch in 1994.
In another exciting first, the magazine is making history by synchronising the launch of its groundbreaking issue with iconic men’s title Gay Times, who also have Rain on their cover.
This is the first time that these two world-leading LGBTQ publications have featured the same cover star simultaneously – a powerful statement of support for gender non-conforming people who are often invisible – not only in mainstream society – but in LGBTQ life as well.
Carrie Lyell, editor of DIVA, said: “Rain is an incredible person and we are absolutely thrilled to have them on our cover this month. I am immensely proud of this cover, and indeed the whole issue, which I believe is a game changer. I hope DIVA readers old and new enjoy it.”
William J Connolly, commissioning editor of Gay Times, said: “After a recent rebrand, Gay Times is proud to emerge as a true champion of diversity.
“Our audience is yearning for the amplification of voices from the far reaches of the LGBTQ spectrum, and our collaborative cover with DIVA represents the genesis of a new era for queer media.”
Rain Dove, a former firefighter from the US, has appeared in numerous spreads for magazines like Vogue, Elle and Cosmopolitan, as well as ad campaigns for brands such as Calvin Klein. Famous for modelling both womenswear and menswear, Rain is part of a movement simultaneously reinventing modelling while challenging traditional ideas of binary gender.
Linda Riley, publisher of DIVA, said: “I am delighted that DIVA and Gay Times are standing together and acknowledging that those whose gender identity does not fit with the binary are as valid and valued as anyone else in the LGBTQ community.
“The LGBTQ community is a wonderful kaleidoscope of humanity, and featuring Rain on our cover sends a hugely positive message to everyone who might feel they don’t belong. Both DIVA and our friends at Gay Times are proud to celebrate diversity.”
Gay Times publisher, James Frost, added: “Rain is the embodiment of this new movement for queer people, and we’re proud to share them with DIVA and indeed, the world.”
In an exclusive interview with DIVA’s Roxy Bourdillon, Rain talks about the importance of pronouns, the impact working in the fashion industry has had on their self-esteem, and how they are capitalising on society’s perception of gender.
Struggling to find a copy? Here’s where to buy DIVA. Click here to buy the brand new issue of Gay Times.
