The right time to launch Midlands Zone, in 1997
1997
Martin Monahan has been Midlands Zone editor since its inception in April 1997.
"I launched Midland Zone in April 1997, at a time when life in
Birmingham’s gay village was changing dramatically. Angels Cafe Bar
was just about to open, complete with its clear-window frontages, and
there was suddenly a greater openness in and around the gay village.
With the first Birmingham Pride festival also taking place that year,
an event for which Zone became a media sponsor, I felt it was the right
time to launch a gay magazine that catered specifically for a
Midlands-based readership.
Although Midlands Zone covers gay stories that happen on both a
national and international level, the magazine retains its strong
regional feel and responds to events and developments which take place
within the Midlands region. First and foremost, Zone is and always will
be a magazine for the Midlands’ gay community. We are extremely proud
of our regional identity."
Contributed by: Martin Monahan