Who Are We?

V-Rag is an exciting new venture to help promote Vancouver’s gay arts & culture scene. From fashion to music, art to film, the free monthly magazine will be the first of its kind and is working closely with the House of Opulence, H.I.M., The House of Venus and some of the finest writers and photographers in our community. At a circulation of 5,000, focusing on downtown, Main Street, Kitsilano, UBC, Commercial Drive, East Van, and the West End, this is the perfect time to advertise with us. It’s a great way to get maximum exposure in the community, while getting unrivaled advertising value.
With the current economic situation, advertising is something most businesses will be cutting back on. Since V-Rag is a not-for-profit community publication, we can offer some of the lowest ad rates in the city, starting at just $40. We also have special deals for advertisers who sign on for 6 month and one year agreements. The purpose of V-Rag is to help promote local LGBT events, not to turn a profit.
Every month will feature a calendar of events, which is sure to become the most comprehensive listing in the community. Regular features from Cotton Venus (The House of Venus Show), Alison McLaughlan (BC Business) and Paul Nixey (H.I.M. Magazine) will have readers coming back month after month.
Exclusive features have already been finalized for the coming months, including interviews with internationally renowned artist and author Douglas Coupland, infamous queer punk film maker Bruce LaBruce, acclaimed fashion house/dance troop/New York sensation House of Dangerkat, newly inaugurated Empress of Vancouver Iona Whipp, Rough Trade recording artists The Hidden Cameras, New York Times’ “Next Big Thing” Final Fantasy, and Project Runway Canada winner Evan Biddell. Major event coverage will include Vancouver Pride 2009, East Van Pride, Wiggle, The Legends Ball, The DMS Investiture, Out On Screen, as well as local concerts, fashion shows, film screenings and gallery openings.
V-Rag is the brainchild of designer Cole Johnston and gallery manager Matthew McGale, who bring a wide range of combined experience. Cole most recently produced the 2009 DMS Coronation Program Guide, and is no stranger to local magazines. He worked for over two years at iconic music rag Discorder as Art Director, while becoming Editor and designer for Vancouver Fashion, a publication put out by Vancouver Fashion Week. Currently, he works as Art Director for Visitors’ Choice, a travel magazine with a circulation of over 2 million worldwide. Matt holds a Fine Arts degree and is a fixture of Vancouver’s art scene. He is currently manager of one of the city’s finest art galleries.
Our goal at V-Rag is to create a totally unique publication, one that is completely inclusive and serves the community, while establishing itself as a stylish and thoughtful arts & culture companion. With such low ad pricing, this is a great opportunity for any business to gain exposure and become part of a worthwhile cause. As an introductory special, we’re also offering one free month of advertising when you sign up for six months. For advertising inquiries, please contact:

Cole Johnston cole@v-rag.com
or
Matthew McGale matt@v-rag.com