Daftar Hotel Primbon - Les Plus, China's first lesbian magazine launched another new issue on Sunday after disappearing for 10 months.
The magazine is returning with a more low-key approach and a broader range of topics.
Hotel di Bali Les Plus was launched in 2005 by two lesbians, known as Sam and Big Head. All writers and designers worked on a volunteer basis.
The magazine soon reached a peak circulation of 40,000 copies per issue, and it was distributed in 50 cities both here in China and also overseas.
"We felt like we were living in constant darkness. Having the magazine was like light shining into our hearts," recalled Big Head on Sunday at the relaunch party for Les Plus.
In mid-2009, the authorities shut down Les Plus, accusing the publishers of not having an ISSN number required for selling magazines, and for charging 12 yuan ($1.76) per copy, despite claiming to be a free publication.
Les Plus said this charge was for a badge, which comes together with the magazine. And Les Plus sees itself as more than a magazine, but also as a loving, supportive and creative group, according to its editors.
During the time the magazine was shut down, the group put on China's first lesbian play, participated in the WorldOut Games in Copenhagen, and organized China's first public lesbian wedding, in Qianmen.
The new issue of Les Plus features art by lesbians around the world, lesbian life stories, a horoscope and a column on lesbianism in Chinese history.
"We made an effort to make the magazine look like a normal, mainstream one, instead of one for a marginalized cultural group," said Big Head, "lesbians as a group need to stop hiding in their bubbles and step into the sun."
The first batch of the new issue is of 3,000 copies, which are distributed around the country.
The magazine still sells for 12 yuan, and comes with a badge, or a canvas bag. The only editorial change is that the price and addresses of stores no longer feature on the back cover.
"We are trying a more low-key approach. I'm positive that we won't get shut down this time," said Sam.
The magazine is available in four boutique bookstores in Beijing and its online Taobao store.
Sales representatives in more than 40 major cities are listed on the magazine's website, lesplus.org.
The magazine is returning with a more low-key approach and a broader range of topics.
Hotel di Bali Les Plus was launched in 2005 by two lesbians, known as Sam and Big Head. All writers and designers worked on a volunteer basis.
The magazine soon reached a peak circulation of 40,000 copies per issue, and it was distributed in 50 cities both here in China and also overseas.
"We felt like we were living in constant darkness. Having the magazine was like light shining into our hearts," recalled Big Head on Sunday at the relaunch party for Les Plus.
In mid-2009, the authorities shut down Les Plus, accusing the publishers of not having an ISSN number required for selling magazines, and for charging 12 yuan ($1.76) per copy, despite claiming to be a free publication.
Les Plus said this charge was for a badge, which comes together with the magazine. And Les Plus sees itself as more than a magazine, but also as a loving, supportive and creative group, according to its editors.
During the time the magazine was shut down, the group put on China's first lesbian play, participated in the WorldOut Games in Copenhagen, and organized China's first public lesbian wedding, in Qianmen.
The new issue of Les Plus features art by lesbians around the world, lesbian life stories, a horoscope and a column on lesbianism in Chinese history.
"We made an effort to make the magazine look like a normal, mainstream one, instead of one for a marginalized cultural group," said Big Head, "lesbians as a group need to stop hiding in their bubbles and step into the sun."
The first batch of the new issue is of 3,000 copies, which are distributed around the country.
The magazine still sells for 12 yuan, and comes with a badge, or a canvas bag. The only editorial change is that the price and addresses of stores no longer feature on the back cover.
"We are trying a more low-key approach. I'm positive that we won't get shut down this time," said Sam.
The magazine is available in four boutique bookstores in Beijing and its online Taobao store.
Sales representatives in more than 40 major cities are listed on the magazine's website, lesplus.org.
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