Data Digest 0003 - WestHollywood
This zine explores the rich history of WestHollywood, tracing its origins, the unique voices it amplified, and the challenges it faced. From the spirited personal pages that celebrated queer culture to the impassioned battles against censorship and corporate takeover, this zine examines and aims to capture the essence of a time when the internet was a true reflection of the people who built it. Featuring content drawn from an extensive archive of 7,209 WestHollywood “homesteads,” it serves as a tribute to the creativity, resilience, and community spirit of one of the most populous and celebrated early online queer spaces.
This zine is pre-order and will ship the week of Sept 16, 2024.
Before the rise of the social media giants of today, the World Wide Web was the new frontier of creativity and connection. Within this uncharted digital landscape, GeoCities emerged as a pioneering platform, offering free personal websites to users across the globe. Among its neighborhoods, the vibrant WestHollywood stood out as a sanctuary for the LGBTQ+ community — a space where identity, desire, and self-expression could thrive in an as-yet unexploited territory.
This zine explores the rich history of WestHollywood, tracing its origins, the unique voices it amplified, and the challenges it faced. From the spirited personal pages that celebrated queer culture to the impassioned battles against censorship and corporate takeover, this zine examines and aims to capture the essence of a time when the internet was a true reflection of the people who built it. Featuring content drawn from an extensive archive of 7,209 WestHollywood “homesteads,” it serves as a tribute to the creativity, resilience, and community spirit of one of the most populous and celebrated early online queer spaces.
