By EMILY CHRISTENSEN, Courier Staff Writer

WATERLOO --- Q&A started with a Web site.

One year ago Michael Bowser, a University of Northern Iowa sophomore, started a Web site for gay and lesbian high school and college students to use as a meeting ground. When the site failed to attract a large number of hits, Bowser knew he had to take his plans a step further.

"I thought a magazine would have a larger impact," said Bowser, a 2002 East High School graduate. The Matthew Shepard Scholarship recipient turned to other recipients statewide for technical and moral support. He found Jessica Brackett, a senior at the University of Iowa, and future assistant editor of "Queer and Allies."

The first issue was released last week and Bowser already has seen a positive response.

"We are sending it to high schools across the state and asking them to keep copies in the library and guidance offices," Bowser said. The magazine also will be distributed to student groups on all of Iowa's college and university campuses. Bowser and other activists throughout the state are working to make them available in coffee shops and book stores.

The debut issue contains a question and answer session with Judy Shepard, Matthew Shepard's mother. Matthew was murdered in Wyoming in 1998, the victim of a hate crime. The issue also focuses on safe sex in the gay community and a "Rate your college" section that let's readers express their feelings about their college experience as a gay or ally.

Another article highlights the experience one man had coming out to his family.

"My main goal right now is to help high school and college students not out to come out," Bowser said. "And beyond that, I hope they use it to network and to find other resources."

Bowser, who came out his sophomore year of high school, realizes many adults still have yet to admit their sexuality openly.

"It was relatively easy for me, but I know a lot of people have problems with it," he said. Eventually he hopes to create a similar magazine for adults and pass the Q&A reins on to other students.

In an introduction, Brackett explains the use of the word queer in the magazine title.

"Queer is a word that is in the process of being reclaimed by the GLBT community," she wrote. "The word queer has long been used as an insult. ... However, by reclaiming the word and using it to describe and even celebrate ourselves, it can not be used effectively against us anymore."

The magazine will be published bimonthly and the editorial staff is seeking contributions. For more information, log on to www.queerandallies.com.

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