Aché: The Power to Make Things Happen, Part II

The first issue of Aché was published in February 1989.

In February 1989, Tellefsen and Fleming published Aché, vol. 1 no. 1. The first issue contained a combination of poetry, interviews, nonfiction, and community notices, a mix that would soon become characteristic of the magazine. In the last paragraph of their Editor’s Note on the front cover above, Tellefsen and Fleming urged subscribers to use Aché as a “bulletin board” by submitting their own notices and events to “The Back Page,” a classifieds section, and the extensive community calendar shown below.

The Community Calendar from Aché, vol. 1 no. 1.

In a section titled “Speak Easy,” Tellefsen and Fleming amplified community voices, publishing write-in responses to the question, “What’s the biggest problem facing the Black Lesbian Community?” alongside a call for submissions for the next month’s topic, “Do class differences keep Black lesbians from getting together?” Aché also urged readers to submit artwork and writing to be published in future issues.

Buttons featuring Storme Webber's artwork.

From the very first issue, Tellefsen and Fleming realized that Aché could easily enter into a long tradition of lesbian community magazines that “did not survive due to lack of support (financial & other).” They needed an active community of readers to keep the magazine going. As a result, from 1989–1994, Aché hosted hundreds of community events in addition to publishing the widely read magazine. The events ranged from theatrical presentations (“Fierce Love”) to lectures (“Tribal Connexions”) to date nights (“We Come… From Fire,” an “erotic explosion” Valentine’s Day celebration). All provided a space for Black queer community members to meet in real life. Even in times of financial need, Aché maintained a commitment to accessibility and inclusion. All events were wheelchair accessible; no one was ever turned away for lack of funds. 

Aché also sold buttons, shown here, featuring artwork by Storme Webber. On the previous page you can see Skye Ward wearing an Aché sweatshirt of the same design.

Not all of Aché’s fundraising events featured speakers or themes. Some were just parties, spaces for readers and contributors to meet in real life. This flyer below advertises a “Rent Party” in the tradition of midcentury Harlem. The $5 fee was used to cover the magazine’s publication cost, and the cost of renting a small Bay Area office where community meetings were held.