Screwed magazine: The Launch
I write a monthly gossip column on Queer nightlife for Sticky Fingers Publishing. For my most recent column I went to the launch of Screwed magazine...
I remember Jean Device (editor) telling me a few years ago they were shooting work with the intention of publishing a smutty Queercore magazine. Cut to April 2026 and I’m excitedly walking towards the launch of Screwed magazine at 47/49 Studios in Bermondsey. Arriving early, I walked through the old, hefty wooden doors in awe. 47/49 Studios is a huge open plan warehouse space transformed by Jean and their team into a wonderland of smut, erotica and Queer as fuck art. For over half an hour or so I was a happy, perverted sponge, soaking up everything on display: films, enlarged photographs, paintings, installations, Lu’s spanking booth (truly an art installation in itself) and even the bar was charged with sensual, erotic aromas thanks to BBX’s Wet & Salty kitchen.
With over 300 tickets sold the room was packed with eager sexual deviants keen on devouring uncensored Queer smut, meet like-minded perverts and get their grubby mits (non-derogatory) on a copy of Screwed. I couldn’t wait to get my own, so I bought one obviously. Every single page told a story I’ve grown accustomed to being censored, but flicking through the pages and looking around the room at Jean’s photographs of uncensored, raw, passionate, filthy, perversions, a wave of relief washed over me. A tension in my shoulders snapped loose. I felt lighter, I felt free. In a room filled with art we’re told is deemed unsuitable for “community guidelines”, it’s unmistakable the social media we use for hours on the daily is a space in which a community is safeguarded that isn't of our own and doesn’t wish to welcome us or our guidelines. Which made me wonder whether we can describe it as being an online space for us to be social at all?
In addition to the exhibition there were 3 performances: Deen/Ø’s empowering acid-rave enthused poetry, Brik & Cherry’s live SM performance (trumpet included) and Sophie Brain’s cabaret performance. The crowd were thirsty, gagging for it, with such intent being focused solely on the performances barely a phone was in sight, clogging up the optics. Coachella could never. It’s worth noting all performances took place on the floor which I love as they create an intimacy unattainable with a stage and lights etc. Without a clear distinction between the artist and the audience, Screwed became an intimate, sexy and punk as fuck space for us all.
One of my highlights from the performances was Brik & Cherry’s. With arms bent back and taped up, tights sliced, cut and torn as hooks were applied through nipples and thighs connecting together, taut with string. A body flayed on a dentist chair like a turkey getting prepped for Christmas dinner. Suddenly no one was vegan.
As for the social aspect, unfortunately I can’t remember the names of anyone I met that night dur to the lethal shots at the bar but I do remember everyone I spoke to being sweet, funny and equally enthused by everything that was going on and I loved every second of it.
The launch of Screwed reminded me of my love for maximalist, in-your-face, smutty, crip-friendly DIY, punk-as-fuck exhibitions with a Queercore anti-assimalist ethos. I wish there were more. But for it to work it has to ring in the bells of truth and it's not often that happens. It’s extremely rare someone comes along who authentically embodies all of the above. But thankfully we live in a world with Jean Device, who I hear has issue #2 prep’d and ready to go so this time around we might not have to wait 3 years for the second issue (and launch). Who knows, maybe more Screwed events could become a more regular, albeit fluid occurrence. Whatever happens, make sure to get your copy from Screwed’s Big Cartel and stay in the loop for the next event, you won’t want to miss it.
Send a copy to your local Labour/Tory/Lib Dem/Reform MP today.
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xox