Gay life in the Swiss Alps? The very thought prompts imaginary scenes—quaint bars at the foot of the Matterhorn; handsome guides wearing shorts held up by suspenders, their posteriors perched on the ledges above, scaling heights on picturesque mountain trails.

But what, pray, is really transpiring in Switzerland, Europe's roof? The Swiss inhabit a nation as far removed, it often seems, from the dust and din of the continent's major cities, as is Asia's mountain jewel, Tibet, from that continent's huge population centers like Calcutta or Karachi.

aK Magazine is the bimonthly newsmagazine of gay Switzerland, published in German language. In its internet edition it offers an overview, archiving back and current issues of the newsmagazine. There is also a comprehensive week-by-week calendar of gay events and Swiss city guides for the Zurich and Basel areas.

For international readers ak Magazine provides Swiss news in an English language version, published in on its internet edition exclusively. The magazine puts an uninhibited focus on the male torso, as evidenced on its covers. It appears to this reviewer that Swiss gays hanker most for dark-haired, olive-skinned males.

aK's recently published news stories are organized with reference to the country's major cities. There seems to be little or no division between entertainment and politics:

Zürich:
This year's CSD awards went to the MP Verena Grendelmeier and the TV-talkmaster Kurt Aeschbacher. Verena Grendelmeier received the award for her political commitment in gay issues during the last years. The absent prize-winner sent a note emphasizing the necessity of a straight lobby for gay issues. Together we had to fight for equality for any relationships that grounded in mutual respect she said. If people were more honest towards their feelings, what would count would be that we are capable of relationships, not whether we are straight or gay.

Kurt Aeschbacher was awarded because of his public coming-out that made him a prominent figure of identification for the gay community. In his speech he said that it seemed a bit strange to him that he should get this award only because he does not live in the closet. He had never denied his sexual preferences, it was only the media that turned it into a national sensation he said.

Basel:
During the City Fesival between 11.sept. and 13.sept., Basel's gay enterprises and institutions will present themselves to the public united under the roof one of the many tents. The festival's motto "living together, partying together" seemed reason enough to take the public stage and participate.

Zürich:
Zürich's cantonal section of the conservative party SVP (Schweizerische Volkspartei) started a new referendum targeting the city's financial support of social work for minorities.

After their lost battle against the foundation of an office for the integration of Kosovo-Albanians, they want to cut the city's financial support of the project "Herrmann", an advisory board for male prostitutes. The board's main concerns are AIDS prevention and legal advice.

The city contributes SFr 30,000 to the project every year, the principle share is taken over by the Swiss AIDS Network (Aids-Hilfe Schweiz). As an opposition against the referendum the commitee "PRO-Herrmann" has been formed, starting a campaign that should convince the public of the necessity of the project. The plebiscite that will cost the city SFr 150,000 (!) will take place on 29.nov.

Zürich:
Zürich's city council is worried about the growing popularity of nudism on the little island Werd (Werdinsel) in the River Limmat during the hot summer days.

The island is a popular site for the sun-worshippers among the gay community but also known as a cruising area. The worried council Aebi asks the city whether nudism on public ground is officially allowed or only tolerated, because he feels the need to take measures against an accumulation of such incidents.

Zürich:
The Gay and Lesbian Association Zürich (HAZ) is organizing a fundraising party in the Kanzlei on 4. Sept. Two local DJs provide the vibes for the "House for Haus"-party whose profit will go into the renovation of the gay and lesbian community centre.

Kanzlei, 4. Sept., 10pm.

Bern:
After a long back and forth, the Staenderat (Switzerland's little chamber of the Parlament) voted for an anti-discrimination article in a new constitution.

Even though one looks in vain for an explicit term like "sexual orientation" in the article, the term "lifestyles" has been chosen instead, which shows that many of the country's MPs are still not comfortable with gay, lesbian and bisexual issues.

Zürich:
For the third time a "Mr Gay Switzerland" is going to be crowned at Club Xtra in Zürich on 3. oct. This year's organizers are proud to have found renowned sponsors for the ever more popular event.

German Drag Queen and TV-SexTalk-Icon Lilo Wanders will not only introduce Switzerland's hottest beefcakes, but also hand over the "Stonewall Award" for outstanding commitment for the gay community.

3. Oct., Club Xtra, Limmathaus, Zürich

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