GOOD TIMES FOR GAY PUBLICATIONS

GOOD TIMES FOR GAY PUBLICATIONS

NEW YORK (Wireless Flash) -- Gay publications are coming out of the closet and heading straight to the bank. That's according to Paul Harris, author of "The Queer Press Guide 2000" (Painted Leaf), who says publishing aimed at gay men and lesbian women is the fastest-growing media niche in the western world. Right now there are more than 400 gay publications worldwide, everything from the glossy mainstream "Advocate" to an Australian publication aimed at gay aborigines. Other unique publications include "TATS," a Houston-based magazine for Texas transsexuals; "Joey," a gay publication similar to "Seventeen," and "The Gay Airline And Travel Newsletter" which caters to gay flight attendants. Apparently there are so many gay flight attendants employed by airlines that the magazine once ran a joke: "Q. How many straight male flight attendants does it take to change a light bulb? A. Both of them."