RIOT Magazine
Overview
This magazine is the first edition for my BA(Hons) Fashion Media and Marketing final project.
Year
2023
RIOT is unique in many ways; being one of the only LGBTQ+ Magazines based in the South West of England. Creatives flourish in safe spaces, knowing that they can be their true authentic selves without the fear of discrimination or oppression from those who are more privileged in their social status. Riot is all about sharing stories, content and the lives of people who use their work as their pride and joy – myself included.
Throughout this magazine, you’ll find the majority of these images, created by myself, are used with AI – this is a new type of technology in creative spaces to help enable people to explore a variety of new possibilities for those not only in the fashion industry, but neighbouring industries and potentially, everyday people. Not only is it the fascination I have with AI and what it could potentially evolve into in the future, but I also feel it is so important to share stories about real everyday creatives within the LGBTQ+ community, more specifically the South West, where there is a lack of media representation in the current market. In addition to this, I felt it was important to highlight those who have enabled LGBTQ+ creatives to thrive in the indsutry, by pioneers such as Alexander McQueen and Leigh Bowery.
This magazine is the first edition for my BA(Hons) Fashion Media and Marketing final project. I hope that this magazine will pique your interest and open the doors to discussions and debates. I had such a fun time experimenting with AI software and talking to those in the LGBTQ+ community, sharing stories and experiences for everyone to view.
The Stonewall Riots of the year 1969 was arguably the catalyst for the gay rights movement. This American movement saw the rise of those within the LGBTQ+ community, not only this group of people, but also Feminists and the Black community also joined the movement as they all had the same goal for equality during this time period.
For historical context, this uprising occurred due to police raids for the alleged reason of cracking down on illegal liquor selling in bars. Theorists and Activists have all put forward the argument that this was due to oppression and discrimination and locals of Stonewall were constantly harassed by authorities for simply existing in New York. Stonewall riots were a result of high tension between the community and local authorities which ultimately led to the violent events that occurred.
The aftermath of the Stonewall riots led to several days worth of demonstrations throughout New York. This was the notable point at which the Gay Liberation Front was formed, as well as many Lesbian and Bisexual civil rights groups.