Fusion, also known as Fusion Magazine, is an LGBTQ-focused student-run magazine at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio, United States. It is one of the student-led media partners that make up Kent State Student Media.
History
Fusion was started in the fall of 2002 by founding editors Mandy Jenkins and Marie Cornuelle, with advisor Kate Common. The magazine eventually became a permanent part of Kent State's student media. According to the magazine's own materials, it was founded in 2003 and describes itself as the region's only student magazine focusing on LGBTQ+ issues.
The magazine's establishment was aided by the combined efforts of student media advisor Kate Common and The Burr Magazine editor-in-chief Mandy Jenkins, who interviewed Kent State University President Carol Cartwright. This effort resulted in Fusion Magazine eventually gaining a permanent office in Kent State University's Student Media and Professional School of Journalism.
Publication and Content
Fusion is published twice per academic year by Kent State University students, with a circulation of approximately 5,000 copies. The magazine addresses sexuality and LGBTQ+ issues using in-depth feature articles and photo essays. Past stories have covered political trends, religion and sexuality, domestic partner benefits, LGBTQ athletes in the NCAA, anti-discrimination policies, parents coming out to spouses and children, gay adoption, AIDS support groups, physical and mental health issues, and social change.
The magazine publishes a print issue each semester and regularly updates its website and social media channels. Its national advertisers have included the lesbian magazine Curve and Pride & Equality Magazine.
Funding
In December 2006, the magazine received a $2,000 grant from the Gay Community Endowment Fund of the Akron Community Foundation.
Awards
Fusion has received recognition from several professional journalism organizations:
- 2003 – Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Mark of Excellence Awards: First Place for Photo Illustration ("Fighting homophobia on the field"), Second Place for Best All-Around Online Student Magazine, Third Place for Feature Photography, and Honorable Mention for Best Student Magazine.
- 2004 – SPJ Mark of Excellence Awards: First Place for Best Student Magazine (Published More Than Once a Year) and First Place for Best All-Around Online Student Magazine.
- 2006 – SPJ Mark of Excellence Awards: First Place for Best Student Magazine and Third Place for Best Affiliated Website.
- 2013 – Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC) Magazine Division Awards: Third Place for Design.
- 2015 – AEJMC Magazine Division Awards: Honorable Mention for "People" and Third Place for Single Issue of an Ongoing Magazine.
- 2018 – AEJMC Magazine Division Awards: First Place for General Excellence.
- 2022 – SPJ Mark of Excellence Awards Region 4: Best Student Magazine.
Related Organizations
Fusion is distinct from Trans*fusion, a separate student organization at Kent State University focused on transgender issues, registered through the university's Center for Student Involvement.
