OUTinPerth launches crowdfunding campaign

OUTinPerth launches crowdfunding campaign

POPULAR聽LGBTIQ news outlet聽OUTinPerth has聽started聽a to help it relaunch as an independent company..

After fourteen years of delivering the news to Western Australia鈥檚 queer community, OUTinPerth had to stop the presses when the company that owned it was shut down.

Graeme Watson, who has served as the publication鈥檚 editor for the past five years, said members of the community were reaching out and encouraging the team to launch a campaign within hours of the closure.

鈥淟eigh Hill [co-editor] and I have spent many hours talking about how to create a 21st century media outlet,鈥 he told the Star Observer.

鈥淎nd now, with community support, we鈥檙e in a position to make it a reality.

鈥淐ommunity created media is a big part of our plans, we want to create a portal that allows many more LGBTIQ voices to be heard.鈥

Watson said it鈥檚 important to hold onto local queer-owned media with LGBTI-specific voices.

鈥淕ay owned and operated media really does focus on the issues that are essentially important to an LGBTIQ audience, while mainstream media work to a different set of values and demands,鈥 he said.

鈥淟GBTIQ media can also have a big influence on mainstream media simply by being there to ask the right questions.

鈥淎 few months ago the team from OUTinPerth attended a media announcement from Labor leader Bill Shorten and asked him about his view on the Safe Schools Coalition.

鈥淭hat night his answer was on the six o鈥 clock news, and it was covered by newspapers around the country 鈥 if we hadn鈥檛 been there, nobody would鈥檝e asked the question.鈥

Watson鈥檚 co-editor Leigh Hill said if they relaunch they hope to collaborate with the community more heavily.

鈥淲e want to collaborate with local writers, photographers, artists, and advocates to share unique local LGBTIQ experiences and knowledge,鈥 Hill聽said.

鈥淲e need your help to get back to work and continue to serve the local community.

鈥淥ur vision for OUTinPerth鈥檚 relaunch is a greater dedication to local stories, culture, and community groups.鈥

 

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