This issue was made in Melbourne, which marks our third time in Australia, following Elska Perth (issue no.17) and Elska Sydney (issue no.30), two issues which, although popular, inspired a lot of complaining along the lines of, "Why didn't you come to Melbourne?!" Well, we are proud, and relieved, to finally announce that we've done it!
Inside the issue you'll get our classic blend of honest photography and personal storytelling, revealing the bodies and voices of a random bunch of local men from the Victorian capital. This issue is particularly revealing — nudity has always been optional for our subjects, but this issue is the first time in our nine-year history that every single one of the men inside opted to bare all. That alone proves that the complainers were right to scold us for not coming here sooner.
Of course, we're not only about naked men, or even photography. The stories play an important role in the Elska experience, giving readers a chance to get to know these men better by offering them the chance to write a text on any topic of their choosing and share it with us. Some of the stories you'll read here include: John H's account of discovering gay liberation in the early 1970s; Luke B's remembering of growing up gay in rural Australia and discovering that he wasn't actually 'the only gay in the village'; Zhi Z's rather confusing text about how confused he is about himself and his place in the world; and Jayke F's description of a day at the nude beach, where he confronts his insecurities and through the visibility of diverse bodies finds a path to appreciating his own body.
‘Elska Melbourne’ features ten chapters, dedicated to the following local participants: Jayke F, Herald J, Anthony M, Luke B, John H, Sam G, Vincenzo P, Logan B, Zhi Z, and Axle J.
Details and Specs:
Elska Melbourne’ is 180 pages. The print version is 170mm x 240mm (approx 6.7 x 9.4 in), full colour, sewn-bound, offset-printed, with 280gsm (110lb) textured coated coverage paper and flaps that hide a couple Easter eggs. One random Elska Collectors' Postcard is inserted inside.
