Just a Bit Radical is a magazine with a simple mission: to provide lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQQIA) youth and their allies ages 13 to 30 with a publication that discusses ideas and issues that are important to them. We look to increase positive LGBTQQIA awareness in media and in print, and portray a positive and honest view of LGBTQQIA individuals. We look to foster hope in today's youth, to show them that they can make a difference and that things will improve. Just a Bit Radical is a place just as its name states, a little radical -- forward-thinking, bold, and edgy.
I decided to start Just a Bit Radical because I was tired of seeing the suicides of LGBT youth every time I turned around. I was tired of seeing every magazine only cater to one part of the LGBT spectrum and never include youth. Most publications only focus on 18-and-over content and never think about what the younger generation has to say. I also am alarmed at the lack of transgender representation in print. Being genderqueer myself, I think that having a positive trans* voice in print and digital media is important. Over 50 percent of trans* individuals will attempt suicide before they turn 20. Having a publication to read or contribute to, where their voices are heard and respected, can make a difference. I know that even having one thing to look forward to, even if it's just reading a magazine or writing an article, submitting a photograph, or telling your story, can make a difference in someone's life.
I want this magazine to bring people hope, to inspire them to chase their dreams and never give up. I was always told I couldn't do things, but I never let anyone get me down. I believed in myself and went after what I wanted. I want to inspire people to change things, to believe in themselves and the power of their own creations. I also have Asperger's. In trying to overcome the challenges of navigating social interaction, I have found that through writing I am able to better communicate with others and become a stronger person through outlets such as blogging.
My team is just as passionate as I am. A. Elizabeth Yeterian has been my friend for years. She's an amazing digital and traditional artist, and she's incredibly diverse and multilingual. As a member of the LGBT community herself, Elizabeth's work is vital in getting LGBT youth artists to see that they can be successful as an artist while not letting people define them by their orientation. Elizabeth supports the mission as our art director, designing our logo and curating our art submissions. Juli Meyers as cartoonist and April French as graphic designer also support me on this project.
This magazine does not censor content. We believe that honesty and open communication opens doors. Just a Bit Radical operates on a submission-based initiative, meaning that we don't put walls up and limit people with too many guidelines. Our themes are broad and voted on by our membership. We find that opening up themes to voting opens up dialogue and encourages communication, bridging gaps and bringing people together. We believe that today's LGBTQQIA youth have the power to change the world for the better, and we serve as a place to remind them that things will change if you get a bit radical and break down walls.
If you would like more information on our project's goals and mission, please visit our Kickstarter page.