Celebrating the Legacy of Hello Mr.: A Journey of Queer Creativity

Celebrating Queer Creativity: The Legacy of Hello Mr.

Celebrating Queer Creativity: The Legacy of Hello Mr.

The independent gay magazine Hello Mr. made waves during its run from 2013 to 2018, releasing just ten thoughtfully curated issues. Despite its brief existence, neat stacks of this beloved publication continue to adorn the coffee tables of many queer individuals, symbolizing a cultural touchstone for the community. Founded by the talented artist and editor Ryan Fitzgibbon, the magazine was designed ā€œfor men who date men,ā€ and it showcased an impressive array of voices and perspectives. The content ranged from interviews with established musicians like Perfume Genius and Olly Alexander to poetry and essays by prominent writers such as Ocean Vuong, Ryan Oā€™Connell, and Bryan Washington. Additionally, it featured engaging conversations with personalities like comedian John Early and curator Antwaun Sargent.

After the magazine’s final issue, Fitzgibbon felt a strong desire to revisit the rich tapestry of stories and art that Hello Mr. had woven. In 2022, he embarked on a project to compile some of the magazineā€™s most impactful pieces, alongside fresh contributions, into a single, cohesive volume. This culminated in the release of A Great Gay Book: Stories of Growth, Belonging & Other Queer Possibilities (published by Harry N. Abrams) in May of this year.

To celebrate the launch of this heartfelt collection, Fitzgibbon organized a special gathering at the Ox-Bow Artistsā€™ Residency in his home state of Michigan. This residency holds deep personal significance for Fitzgibbon, who is now 37 years old. The town of Saugatuck, where Ox-Bow is located, has long been a cherished vacation spot for the queer community. During his college years, one of his professors, a visiting artist at Ox-Bow, introduced him to the studios, leaving a lasting impression on the young artist. Last summer, Fitzgibbon returned to Ox-Bow to finalize his work on the book.

The carefully planned weekend gathering brought together several contributors from the book, and Fitzgibbon described it as ā€œessentially a sleepover in the woods.ā€ The festivities were framed by a cozy bonfire on Thursday night and a heartfelt farewell breakfast on Sunday. In between, attendees enjoyed a range of activities, including:

  • Nature walks through the picturesque surroundings
  • Beach outings to soak in the serene atmosphere
  • Workshops that fostered creativity and collaboration
  • Plenty of opportunities for meaningful socializing and connection

Through this gathering, Fitzgibbon not only celebrated the legacy of Hello Mr. but also fostered a sense of community, reminding everyone of the power of storytelling and shared experiences in the queer narrative.

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