OU WOULDN’T BE ALONE in feeling frustrated, isolated, devalued and depressed if you were suddenly labelled “asexual” at your next birthday. Millions of older Australians feel the same way when they’re suddenly assumed to be asexual at their 65th birthday. But research shows that older people are sexual and that sexual expression is important for …

The rotating image on Google today depicts six Olympic sports taking place against a rainbow backdrop, ahead of the 2014 Winter Olympics. The Sochi games are shrouded in controversy due to recently established anti-LGBTI propaganda laws in Russia. Google’s homepage also features a quote from the Olympic Charter – a set of guidelines for the …

If you’re making a magazine, then you probably have some familiarity with magazines that are currently on the market. (If not, back to the drawing board, aka Mag Nation, with you.) You know the writing you like. If you’re not sure of your own opinion, sit down with a publication and pay attention to which …

Send us your pitches for issue 2! We are on the hunt for writing that captures Australian attitudes to sexual diversity in 2014. (Historical and overseas content is welcome, as long as it has an Australian slant.) What we are looking for: * Archer values honest and open communication; real human stories; difference and sameness; …

KATHLEEN HANNA, THE quintessential outspoken feminist, musician and debatable leader of the riot grrrl movement, is back on the scene after years of silence due to a chronic illness. Her new band, The Julie Ruin, sets to be a more laid back musical experience in contrast to the hard-hitting issues tackled by earlier bands Bikini …

Alastair Lawrie is a Sydney-based writer and long-term LGBTI activist. He has been involved with both the Victorian and New South Wales Gay & Lesbian Rights Lobbies. AS EXPECTED, THE HIGH Court today overruled the ACT’s same-sex marriage laws. This means that the much-publicised marriages of couples who had used the five-day window of opportunity …

Guest blogger Rebecca Shaw is a freelance writer from Brisbane. She is a lesbian with a sense of humour who tells jokes on Twitter and over her comedy podcast Bring a Plate. YESTERDAY, A MOVIE called Bamboozled was crowned the winner of annual short film competition Tropfest. Basic synopsis: a man named Pete runs into …

The first issue of Archer Magazine, the Australian journal of sexual diversity, is now on sale. New stockists include: Hares and Hyenas 63 Johnston St Fitzroy, VIC www.hares-hyenas.com.au Mag Nation 88 Elizabeth St Melbourne, VIC www.magnation.com You can also buy Archer online, or order a year’s subscription.

Another massive lesson I’ve learned during this whole making-a-magazine affair is that one woman can not do everything. And if she tries to, the end result will suffer. I’ve been in publishing for 10 years so I know my way around sentence structure. I know how to commission, how to edit and how to put together …

The world’s first glimpse of Archer Magazine is happening in Melbourne this month. It’s going to be one hell of a party. LAUNCH OF ARCHER MAGAZINE: MELBOURNE WHERE: St Heliers Street Gallery Abbotsford Convent, Collingwood WHEN: Thursday, November 28 7pm WHAT: Life drawing by Michael Hawkins Readings from Archer Magazine by Dr Lauren Rosewarne + Aram …

Archer Magazine is a new Australian print publication that takes a snapshot of Australia’s current attitudes to sexual diversity. Archer is seeking an intern with a keen editorial eye, outgoing and sociable demeanour and progressive view of sexuality and diversity to help with the printing, launch and marketing of our first issue. Social media prowess …

Guest blogger Teddy Cook was invited by Archer to blog on the media’s use of language. THE TRANS* EXPERIENCE is as diverse as the population it represents. Remember this: we aren’t all ‘trapped in the wrong body’, we aren’t all desperate for diagnosis and surgery and hormones. We aren’t all connected to your ideal of …

AND IN HAPPIER news for sexual diversity, we have all been gifted a humbling welcome video from John Berry, the US Ambassador for Australia. Obama’s decision to appoint Berry, the first openly gay man to serve as ambassador to a G20 nation, seems a far cry from the situation here in Australia. Berry is a …

Founding editor of Archer Magazine, Amy Middleton, offers a personal response to the outcome of the 2013 Australian federal election. I’VE OFTEN WONDERED how democratic leaders responsible for atrocities throughout history were elected by the people they would come to oppress. I used to put it down to corruption and dishonesty in the democratic process. …

Guest blogger Amy Russell bears witness to an unlikely protest incited by free dessert. THERE’S NOTHING WORSE THAN sitting at your desk all day. It’s up there with visiting the dentist, having a pap smear or, as I discovered today, narrow-minded people raining on a gay parade. In need of some fresh air at lunch, …

Our Pozible campaign has kicked off. We need to raise $20,000 to cover the printing of our first two issues and payment to ALL our contributing writers and photographers, with a little left over for marketing. Donations over $50 receive an exclusive Archer mug. Other than supporting a much-needed new media outlet in Australia, what …

In putting together the magazine, the research phase was my first step. Sure, working as a journalist and editor for almost 10 years has equipped me with a few skills. I know, more or less, how to commission writers, choose topics, get a website going, lure designers onboard. One thing the publishing industry does not …

For someone who is set apart from the majority by an obvious point of difference, the incessant questioning from the public can become exhausting. Example: I’m a woman in a relationship with a woman. I’m also gluten-intolerant. Each of these traits sets me apart from the majority and I often have to remind myself, during …

The idea for Archer came from a simple desire. I was thirsty for news about the sexual equality movement. I wanted intelligent, thought-provoking commentary from a variety of viewpoints, rather than the press releases and drivel of the Australian mass media. (Those articles have their place, but that place isn’t next to my fire of …

If you are a photographer, artist or illustrator with a passion for diversity, we want to hear from you. We’re sourcing images for our first print edition, due for launch in November 2013. Images should be beautiful, compelling and contemporary in style. They must also be owned by you, and consent given by featured individuals. …

My reaction to the leadership spill this week blind-sided me. As a woman in a lesbian partnership, I should be feeling optimistic now that Kevin Rudd is back in power. After all, since his last term as PM, Kevin has come out in support of marriage equality. He’s the first PM to publicly support gay …

Yesterday, a bill before Australian parliament decreed that LGBT and intersex individuals are now covered under federal anti-discrimination laws. Australia has become the first country to include intersex people under their anti-discrimination act. This is big stuff. And essentially, it’s about recognition. There are over 30 intersex conditions currently recognised by medical practitioners. As for …