LGBT magazine Optimist marks 15 years with a new issue

Optimist, the only printed LGBT magazine in Serbia and one of the few left in Europe, has published its 90th issue, marking 15 years of uninterrupted publishing.

Over the past fifteen years, Optimist has published hundreds of interviews, features, analyses, and literary and film reviews, following the ups and downs of the LGBT community in Serbia, the region and the world.

The magazine has been and remains a space for different opinions, culture, art, social themes and open debate — but the anniversary arrives at a moment when its future is still uncertain.

“From the first issue to this day, Optimist has faced financial difficulties almost without interruption. In a country where it is nearly impossible to sustain an independent print outlet — let alone one made for the LGBT community — every new issue is the product of the enormous enthusiasm and persistence of the small number of people who believe a magazine like this has to exist,” the publishers said in a statement.

Over the years, alongside the financial pressure, Optimist has also been exposed to various forms of boycott and public pressure. Despite everything, it keeps coming out.

“The ninetieth issue is not just one magazine's anniversary but proof that an independent LGBT outlet can survive even in a small country, with limited resources and no shortage of challenges. We believe a community grows stronger when there is space for dialogue, the exchange of arguments and different opinions,” the statement says.

Source: SNM. English adaptation: gay-serbia.com.