My Comrade is aqueerunderground magazine published and edited by Linda Simpson, adrag queen from New York City, who is often considered a historian of the drag scene.[1] It was published between 1987 and 1994, and came back in late 2004.[2]
In 1987, Simpson started to publishMy Comrade, a magazine about New York City's gay nightlife, as editor.[3] The original format was that of azine: a group of black and whitephotocopies stapled together. Over that period, 9 issues were published, and its success allowed it to continually grow in format and content.[3]
The publication self-proclaimed itself the "court jester of thequeer press"; it opted for acamp approach to gay lifestyle, talking ironically about popular culture, andparodying other types of magazines.[4] The publication also acted as a showcase for photographers, illustrators, and writers of the queer subculture. It was very popular among the underground queer scene of New York City, and is still considered by many a great embodiment ofManhattanLower East Side’s andEast Village’sLGBT culture of the period.[4]
After a 10-year hiatus, Simpson decided to come back with the magazine in the fall of 2004.[4] The gay press, especially in New York City, expressed its contentment with the publication's comeback, and the new issue received excellent reviews.[citation needed] The second issue of the 21st century, released in spring 2006 featured the first color cover inMy Comrade’s history. The magazine's format thus evolved to resemble more to other popular magazines, though its inside design kept the "zine" aesthetic of the past issues. The content also kept with the humorous tone of the previous series. It features funny stories and reportage, as well as profiles of a broad range of personalities, from localgo-go dancers to widely known reality television stars likeAustin Scarlett, along with drag queens,burlesque performers, and artists.[4]
In 2022, My Comrade was the theme of a special exhibit at Howl! Happening Gallery, in Lower East Side, New York.[5][6]
