The current release of the "Elska Rome" issue brings a new, authentic portrait of the queer scene in Rome. Photographer and editor Liam Campbell has met local men of the Eternal City for the international photo magazine Elska – including well-known personalities like the drag queen Aura Eternal, as well as previously undiscovered faces. The photos and stories showcase individual life paths and demonstrate how diverse and welcoming queer Rome is in 2026. This offers travelers a glimpse beyond tourist clichés – straight into the real encounters and favorite places of the community.

The most important points at a glance

• In June 2026, the Rome edition of the prestigious magazine Elska was published, photographed by Liam Campbell.
• The output portrays queer life, including prominent drag personalities and engaged locals.
• Interviews and photos were created in collaboration with locals at authentic Roman locations.
• Elska Rome is available in print and digital formats, as well as a bonus eZine with additional insights.

Diverse Faces: Rome's Queer Scene in Portrait

The selection of protagonists reflects the diversity of queer lives in Rome. Alan G, known as Aura Eternal from "Drag Race Italia," shares how important respectful encounters beyond his public drag persona are. His story illustrates that Roman queerness is lived in many facets, and personalities like Aura Eternal also impress without their stage outfits. Alongside well-known drag queens, "Elska Rome" focuses on the stories of engaged locals like Enea F, who is also the publisher of an independent magazine. The portraits were created in intimate scenes – at home, in parks, or local venues – and convey a sense of everyday moments and genuine friendships.

Authentic encounters and new horizons

The photographer Liam Campbell consciously traveled through Rome without any star airs. Many encounters happened spontaneously or through recommendations within the community: he met Andrewson M, whose openness and playful spirit enriched the shoot. A dinner with Leonardo F and Enea F became a highlight when their long-standing connection was revealed almost incidentally. These small experiences, like philosophizing together about favorite places or discovering personal passions, make "Elska Rome" particularly appealing for queer and queer-sensitive travelers.

"I want to show the people, not just the stage – and Rome is full of unique stories waiting to be discovered," says photographer Liam Campbell about his choice of subjects.

Background: Elska and the Importance of Local Visibility

For several years, Elska Magazine has portrayed queer people worldwide – from São Paulo to Seoul. Each issue is dedicated to a city and aims to provide authentic, unvarnished insights; interviews and photos paint a picture of regional diversity. With the Rome issue, Elska directs attention to Italy's capital, whose LGBTQ+ scene has become significantly more visible since the legalization of marriage in 2016 and the growth of festivals like Roma Pride.

Important Questions on the Topic

How can one acquire the Elska Rome edition?The publication is available both as a printed magazine and digitally, along with bonus content online.

Who is behind Elska Magazine?Liam Campbell has been traveling the world for Elska since 2015, bringing queer stories from over 30 cities.

Which places did the Elska team visit in Rome?Photos and meetings took place in private and public locations, such as apartments, trendy bars, and well-known places in the city.

What can queer travelers expect in Rome?

With "Elska Rome," queer travelers gain current insights into the scene and get to know key figures in the city personally. Anyone visiting Rome in the future can look forward to palpable openness, creative energy, and a well-established, well-connected LGBTQ+ community whose stories are now gaining new visibility.