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. Together, we are celebrating the fabulousness of all Things.
We see you!
The Thing Collaborative is publishing THING in honor of Robert T. Ford, Lawrence (Larry) Warren, and Trenton Adkins, providing a platform for overlooked voices to discuss art, culture, and politics.
THING magazine was published in Robert Ford’s Chicago, Illinois, apartment from 1989 to 1993. The ten-issue run covered art and articles centering around Black culture, camp, commentary, drag, LGBTQ+ culture, HIV/AIDS activism, House music, and more.
Co-Owners
Simone Bouyer: Design Architect of THING magazine and House of Thing; Simone is a fine art/graphic designer and professional website designer. She also owns a small Black-owned business: Simone Bouyer’s Ad World Services. And the proud co-owner of the legendary Wholesome Roc Gallery & Cafe, which operated in Chicago from 1986 to 1994. Contact mother@houseofthing.com.
Stephanie Coleman: Chief Asset Manager of THING magazine and House of Thing, Stephanie is also the co-founder, accountant, and former manager at the Wholesome Roc Gallery & Cafe. She handles the business end of things; she is our numbers cruncher and loves art.
I thought you knew!
We carry on in honor of:
Robert Ford: Publisher of THING magazine, Robert was undoubtedly a Black intellectual, well-read, and the king of music. He worked at Rose Records and had an expansive record collection that took up one entire wall of his apartment. Everything from jazz to pop to House music. But he wasn’t just one-sided; he was an early AIDS activist who fought for access to healthcare for Black gay men during the early days of the crisis. Unfortunately, Robert passed away at 32 on October 4, 1994, due to AIDS-related complications.
Larry Warren: Larry was always smiling and could quote so many black authors your head would spin. He was our quick-witted James Baldwin! Three things Larry loved: being Black, gay, and Black men in general.
According to Simone, I remember meeting him for lunch one day. As we drove up, he was standing outside of his apartment building, talking to a young man who just happened to be walking by. Larry was letting him know that he was a prince, handsome and beautiful, because he said, “…young men don’t get to hear that in our society. They don’t know that they are beautiful.”
Trenton Adkins: A man of many talents, Trenton was a creative spirit and the Influencer of our time. He wore many hats, including makeup artist, fashion stylist, fashion editor, writer, motivational speaker, etc. A natural in any setting, Trenton was a social butterfly in many different spaces and knew a lot about everything. If you sat next to him, there was no topic he couldn’t broach. Always ahead of his time, he could spot the trends and pluck out what it was that we should all be paying attention to.
Your job is well-done, my brothers, RIP!