India now has seven magazines on gay issues

After a far-reaching judgment on homosexuality last year, India's publishing world is abuzz with as many as seven magazines on issues of interest and concern to the gay community, with topics ranging from glamour to safe sex.

Some of these magazines may be in the form of e-zines, but their popularity - going by the number of downloads each of them claims - is making their publishers also look at the possibility of print editions in the near future.

All, nevertheless, say it is thanks to the Delhi High Court judgement July 2 last year, which decriminalised gay sex among two consenting adults and not only raised awareness about this community but also helped them speak about themselves.

'This shows a growing confidence and optimism in the Indian queer community and the need for expression of the younger generation,' says Ranjit Monga, 46, a media consultant and documentary filmmaker, commenting on the rise in the number of queer magazines.

The newest entrant in the magazine space dealing with gay rights and issues is Manvendra Singh Gohil, the erstwhile prince of Rajpipla in Gujarat and a self-confessed queer, who has launched a publication called Fun.

'There was a need to highlight the issues faced by the community, which the mainstream media did not address adequately. I also wanted to connect more with my community. Then I thought this medium would be the best to reach out,' Gohil told IANS.

Full report here Sify

Why so few children's magazines in India?

Why are there so few children's magazines in India? This question was posed by editor Navin Menon of Children's World.

'Presently there are very few magazines published for children in India though, as future citizens, they will play the most important role in building the nation,' Menon told IANS.

Menon spoke on the sidelines of a discussion on promotion of children's literature, organised by the National Book Trust. Children's literary magazines could play a role in improving creativity and communication skills of children, publishers and writers said at the discussion.

'The role of magazines in promoting literature among children has widened its scope not only in urban areas but in rural areas as well,' said Shantanu Tamuli, editor of Assamese children magazine Mouchaq.

Full report here Sify

Playboy Eyes Clubs in India

Playboy Enterprises Inc., publisher of the namesake magazine, is looking toward overseas growth in Latin America, China and India, including new clubs in Brazil, its chief executive said.

Chief Executive Officer Scott Flanders, 53, spoke after the company said its fourth- quarter net loss shrank to $27.8 million, or 83 cents a share, including $28.6 million for expenses such as job cuts. A year earlier, Playboy posted a loss of $146.8 million, or $4.40 a share, including $157.2 million in impairment and other costs.

Earlier on Feb 19, Playboy said it signed an exclusive agreement in Asia with IMG Licensing Worldwide to expand licensing of apparel, accessories and other products.While Playboy isn’t in talks for similar agreements elsewhere, Flanders said he expects that the pact will “significantly increase” Playboy’s licensing business in Asia, eventually leading IMG to “broaden that relationship throughout the rest of the world.” The agreement will help the brand grow in India and China, Flanders said, where its clothing appeals to both men and women, in contrast to the U.S., where women are the primary customers.

Full report here Businessweek