On the surface of it the choice of Dhaka , Bangladesh to be the next city featured in ELSKA the leading LGBTQ photographic bookzine seems a very odd decision to say the least. The rights of the local LGBTQ community ights are heavily suppressed and homosexuality is still illegal in the Country
The Law is not always enforced but if it is then the punishment is up to life imprisonment. Even now it is still very dangerous for those who identify as homosexuals to openly come out in society because it will result in social rejection, hate, assault, and even murder.
We spoke with Liam Campbell Elska’s Editor & Chief Photographer about his choice. He told us It goes without saying that Dhaka is not home to a ‘fabulous’ queer scene like New York or Berlin,but like every other big city in the world, gay people exist here and I wanted to show them”“
I knew it wouldn’t be easy to make an issue in Bangladesh, however, after reading about some of the brave and inspirational work by local LGBTQ actvists in spite of the danger, I felt inspired to meet some of them and try to amplify their voices. The men I met in Dhaka turned out to be some of the most defiant, proud, and also hopeful people I’ve ever encountered, and I’m so proud to share their beautiful bodies and harrowing stories with our readers
As usual Campbell chose a cross section of ordinary local men who were happy to be photographed and have their stories printed alongside them in the actual Magazine.
