Elska magazine, a one-of-a-kind publication that spotlights GBTQ+ lives and stories worldwide, has chosen Salt Lake City, Utah, as the focus of its latest issue.

Known as a stronghold for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), Salt Lake City is both one of the country’s most conservative cities and, surprisingly, a vibrant centre of LGBTQ+ culture.

In this new edition, Elska captures the complex reality of queer life in Salt Lake City, giving readers an intimate look into the lives of some of its queer residents.

Elska’s editor and chief photographer, Liam Campbell, says he wrestled with the decision to feature Salt Lake City for some time.

“I’d considered doing an issue in Salt Lake for years, but I worried about how it would be received,” Campbell reflects.

“On one hand, it’s an incredible opportunity to highlight the experiences of queer Utahns, especially in the shadow of the LDS Church. But I also feared that readers might expect us to lean into stereotypes, wanting a fantasy of ‘Mormon boys’ rather than authentic stories.”

Ultimately, Campbell’s careful approach paid off, delivering a respectful yet revealing portrait of Salt Lake’s GBTQ+ community.

In Elska Salt Lake City and the companion zine Elska Ekstra Salt Lake City, readers are introduced to eleven queer men from the Salt Lake City area. Each participant was photographed in iconic Utah locations, including both the cityscape and the scenic mountains and canyons that Utahns hold dear.

The natural landscapes serve as a powerful backdrop, emphasising the connection to nature that many in Utah feel. Campbell also photographed the men in their homes, giving readers a glimpse into their everyday environments and showcasing a broad spectrum of body types, personalities, and queer identities.

Each participant shared a personal story to accompany their photos, creating a multi-dimensional portrayal of gay life in Salt Lake City. These stories range from lighthearted and humorous to deeply introspective. Highlights include Scott S’s recounting of his journey to embrace his sexuality, Daniel R’s amusing tale of a bear encounter in the woods, and Tyson C’s unexpectedly romantic account of a spontaneous hook-up that led to something deeper.

Elska Salt Lake City is available for purchase in both collectable print and digital formats through the Elska website, where readers can also find Elska Ekstra Salt Lake City, a companion zine featuring extra photos and stories from two more men who weren’t included in the main magazine. 

To get a copy, find Elska here.