UK gay magazine Attitude has announced it is launching aTEEN, the world's first gay magazine marketed to teenagers.
The magazine, aimed at the 16-30 demographic, has a bit of the '80s Tiger Beat, and promises to provide not only celebrity news and hot guys, but also hard-hitting looks at serious issues like HIV and bullying.
"aTEEN not only gives young guys their fix of celebs and lush pin ups, but also an insight into gay lifestyle, inspirational young gay role models and a place where young gay guys can talk about issues that are close to their hearts," explains Attitude Assistant Editor, Christian Guiltenane. "It is also a magazine that doesn't flinch from touching on serious issues. At a time when sex education in schools barely touches on homosexuality and research has proved that the rates of HIV between the ages of 15-25 have doubled in the past ten years, the subject of safe sex and bullying has been touched on in detail."
aTeen is off to a promising start. On the cover of its debut issue is openly gay star of The Only Way is Essex, Charlie King, and it features celebrity doctor Dr. Ranj of ITV's This Morning answering reader questions about sex and Jaymi Hensley of British boy band Union J talking about sex education and the importance of safe sex.
As candid and accurate information about sex is often difficult to access for young gay men, there's the potential for aTEEN to do a lot good. The magazine will be launched as a bonus digital magazine with the current December tablet and iPad issue of Attitude. It will be available as a standalone tablet and mobile download from today, Nov. 14, for PS1.99.
