Thing Magazine

Thing magazine is a platform for Black LGBTQ+ arts and culture.

Thing: A person or Thing of incorrigible and unbearable Fabulousness. As used in the salutation, ‘Hey Miss Thing!’ Thing magazine’s motto is “She knows who she is,” an invitation to identify with one’s own fabulousness.

Thing was originally published in Robert Ford’s Chicago apartment from 1989 to 1993. Issues covered art, house music, interviews, commentary, poetry, and articles centering around black culture, LGBTQ+ culture, HIV/AIDS activism, drag, camp, and more. Robert passed away at the age of 32 on October 4, 1994, due to AIDS-related complications.

The Thing Collaborative is now publishing Thing in honor of Robert Ford, Lawrence Warren, and Trenton Adkins, providing a platform for marginalized voices to discuss art, culture, and politics. Together, we are celebrating the fabulousness of all Things. We see you!