Elska's latest release delves into the lives of gay men in Chisinau, Moldova, challenging misconceptions about the country as merely an economically struggling region. Editor Liam Campbell shares his initial hesitations about exploring Moldova, but found the LGBTQ+ community vibrant, especially post-Pride. While the edition captures the beauty and stories of local men through intimate photography, it also addresses the divides within the community, reflecting the cityâs Romanian and Russian influences and political tensions that arise in their narratives.
I had contemplated bringing my project to Moldova for many years, but I hesitated, fearing it might not resonate. I was concerned that Chisinau might be too small, conservative, or closeted to find subjects willing to share their stories. However, I soon realised these were misconceptions, deeply rooted in stereotypes that paint Moldova solely as the 'poorest country in Europe.' I decided it was time to explore it firsthand.
I found that the gay spaces tended to cater to one group over the other, leading to tension and division. Discussions about political and social issues were frequent among the local men we met, making this one of our most politically charged editions-albeit still showcasing plenty of alluring, naked men!
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