Within the pages of Long Beach’s newest literary magazine are stories of self-identity, mental health, cowboys and aliens. Most importantly, the pages have created a home for aspiring writers in typically marginalized groups.
Particularly for people of color and those in the disabled community, the magazine represents a place where writers who are often overlooked by traditional entities can tell their stories.
Marley Aikhionbare released the first edition of The Kingfisher on July 29 for all the undiscovered writers and wild animals. The heartbeat of the magazine is that of nature, primal instincts and childlike discovery.
“I think it just became so important to me to highlight marginalized and specifically disabled voices in writing, because that’s one thing you can really turn to,” Aikhionbare said.
While growing up with autism and being nonverbal, Aikhionbare said they found it difficult to connect with people.
They found solace and connection in their writing, and hasn’t stopped crafting since. Aikhionbare grew “exhausted” by the endless process of sending their writing out into the void and had the idea to create a magazine with friends where they can write whatever they desire.
“I was like, ‘Oh, shit,’” said Rowan Lester, fellow editor, recalling when Aikhionbare told her the idea for the magazine. “I was obviously thrilled because I don’t want to miss out. When somebody offers you a great opportunity, and that person is your friend, obviously you’re gonna take it.”
The two friends met while attending Wilson High School in Long Beach and connected through writing and a general desire to craft and share creation with the world.
“Our focus is on disability in all of its forms: physical, mental, and the seemingly endless ways the structure of our society disables BIPOC, Queer, Trans, elderly people and many others,” read a statement on The Kingfisher’s Substack.
At 18 pages, three poems, one fictional short story, plenty of photos, original art designs and an accompanying playlist that can be followed on Spotify, the magazine immerses readers into a fictional world full of vulnerability and creativity: Camp Kingfisher.
The cover of the magazine is a striking mountain landscape surrounded with green and orange pine trees with a grainy, weathered look and a vintage vibrant yellow font to match. Keeping in line with its ties to nature, the pages are plastered with mossy greens, bright yellows and images of landscapes.
Aikhionbare and fellow editor Lester are longtime fans of the cult classic TV show “Twin Peaks.” They wanted to bring out their favorite themes of the show—an eeriness, natural surroundings and a ‘90s-inspired palette—to their magazine.
The poem Aikhionbare wrote for the first issue is titled “How to be a cowboy in five simple steps,” and delves into ideas of self-identity, conformity and masculinity.
As a non-binary person, Aikhionbare said they’ve always felt connected to the cowboy trope growing up, and the freedom that comes with the lifestyle.
“It touches a lot on what it means to be a woman and what it meant to me to be a little girl and how restrictive it can be,” Aikhionbare said. “I think a huge part of the reason why I feel a disconnect from she/her pronouns is because I have such a desire to—not necessarily be a man, but feel that same sort of … relaxation being out in the world, like not having to worry about as much as I do having to present as a woman.”
The name of the magazine is from “The Kingfisher” poem by Mary Oliver, one of Aikhionbare’s favorite pieces of literature.
“It’s just a reminder that we weren’t made to worry about the things that we do on a day-to-day basis, and it’s sort of a reminder to go back to basics when you need to and be an animal. Mary Oliver talks about how perfect animals are, they don’t strive for perfection, but just the way that they do things innately is perfect and humans should be that way. We shouldn’t worry about being perfect all the time.”
Marley Aikhionbare, on the inspiration behind the name The Kingfisher.
With this sentiment in mind, Aikhionbare quickly put together a group of friends, a theme for the issue, a social media page and a Substack page for The Kingfisher in a process they called “low stakes.”
The Kingfisher Instagram page connects readers to multiple ways to purchase the magazine and support the mission. Through Aikionbare’s website, a physical copy of the magazine can be purchased for $25 and a digital version can be downloaded for $10.
If residents visit The Kingfisher Substack page, they can subscribe to a monthly $5 subscription for access to the digital magazine. Subscriptions range from $5 to $100 annually, offering readers more ways to support.
Aikhionbare said once the magazine begins profiting, their goal is to give 30% of the proceeds to an organization that helps connect disabled people to vital resources and eventually, they wish to start a mutual aid fund.
Four people total contributed to the first edition, and Aikhionbare said they’re ready to open submissions to the public. Writers don’t need to be local to the Long Beach area.
Those interested in submitting their writing can message the Instagram page or email kingfishermag@gmail.com. Soon a Google form will be created for people who wish to become involved with the magazine.