New media company Out Publications has acquired national LGBTIQ+ publication Star Observer following interest from commercial and community-based parties.
The iconic publication recently entered voluntary administration, prompting fears that it would close after 40 years of publication.
Founded in 1979, the Star Observer is the news journal for Australia’s LGBTIQ+ communities, chronicling and championing issues important to LGBTIQ+ communities, from decriminalisation and the AIDS crisis through to Australia’s recent marriage equality win.
A statement on the publication’s website said that the Star Observer will now be published by Out Publications, a new media company established by Lawrence Gibbons.
Gibbons, who founded the Sydney City Hub in 1995, said he was “thrilled” to be working with the team at Star Observer to continue producing the publication.
In the statement, the publication’s Chair, Sebastian Rice, said the Star Observer remains a vital source of news and support for the LGBTIQ+ community.
“The Board of Directors has worked closely with the Administrator, MaC Insolvency, to ensure the long-term survival of the publication and archives,” he said.
“I am hopeful that our community and advertisers will show renewed support for the Star Observer, as it enters this new phase in its 40 year history.”
Administrator Trent McMillen said it was a great result for the publication. “From day one, we were acutely aware of the desire amongst the LGBTIQ+ community to preserve the Star Observer and its rich history.
“It is fantastic to see that our hard work has paid off, and this valuable community asset will live on. We would like to thank the many concerned community members who contacted us to offer their support and the many parties, both commercial and community-based, who expressed interest in acquiring the publication.”
The publication’s Editor-in-Chief Matthew Wade recently penned a piece about how the Star Observer had changed his life, and its continued importance in Australia’s LGBTIQ+ community.
“For 40 years, the Star Observer has informed, connected, and inspired Australia’s LGBTIQ+ communities, and kept them abreast of the latest queer stories and issues,” he wrote.
“Stories and voices that would never see the light of day in mainstream publications are given life in the queer press, allowing our communities to stay connected and informed.
Matthew Wade, Editor-in-Chief, Star Observer
“Whether you’re a young LGBTIQ+ person only just discovering their sexuality, with little to no support networks or links to the community, or a flag waving advocate helping to advance the rights of queer people around the country, publications like the Star Observer unify us all and ensure that no-one gets left behind.”
For more information, visit the Star Observer website.
