Manazine editor Arjan Nijen Twilhaar confirmed that the publication would look at controlling its distribution, following comments made by MDA officials at the meeting.
Accordingly, Manazine will no longer be freely available at selected outlets throughout the city. Instead, a low-price subscription issue will be launched, while consumers will still be able to get the magazine at outlets by using the Manazine Privilege Card, which also offers discounts at over 60 merchants.
"With our renewed licence Manazine will be available for subscribers and friends of Manazine only," he said. "We will be starting an intensive subscription drive and we seek strong support from the community to help Manazine grow bigger and better."
Nijen Twilhaar pointed out that the MDA used a quote by Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong from August 2003 to illustrate that, "gays in general should not lobby for public space". Since Manazine's launch one year ago, a more progressive climate has seen increased attention devoted to the city's gay community. However, Nijen Twilhaar believes this may have prompted the MDA's crackdown, which was sparked by public complaints.
The news follows a round of meetings between the MDA and Manazine in March, which forced the publication to tone down its content, after the Government department contended it was promoting a gay lifestyle.
The title has attracted some advertising interest, although MEC Singapore senior planner Lisa Chua is unconvinced of its appeal. "It takes a very brave client," said Chua. "I don't think there's enough of the 'pink dollar' floating around."
"I think it's actually a strong message to advertisers because we're in this with a certain demographic in mind and now we can actually reach them," said Nijen Twilhaar.