Cherie Magazine was founded in France in 1962 to cater to middle-class women, featuring articles about fashion, beauty, and home decor. In its early years, it avoided political and social commentary, focusing instead on advertising products and services targeted at female consumers. However, as time passed, the magazine became increasingly outdated and lost relevance. To stay competitive, Cherie decided to update its content to better reflect the interests of younger readers. One way they did this was by including more LGBTQ+ friendly content and interviews in later issues, which helped modernize their image and appeal to a broader audience.
For example, in an issue from 2018, Cherie featured a story about a transgender model who had just come out publicly. The piece highlighted her journey of self-discovery and acceptance and discussed how she found success in the fashion industry despite facing discrimination. This article was well-received by readers and received positive feedback from both the LGBTQ+ community and allies. It also sparked discussions on social media about the importance of representation in mainstream media.
Another feature that attracted attention was a series of interviews with prominent gay and lesbian celebrities. These interviews offered insights into their lives and careers and showcased the diversity of experiences within the LGBTQ+ community. They were particularly popular among younger readers who felt underrepresented in traditional magazines like Cheri. By including these interviews, Cherie demonstrated its commitment to inclusivity and showed that it was willing to challenge heteronormative assumptions.
In addition to featuring LGBTQ+ content, Cheri has also worked to include stories about intersectionality, such as those focused on race, class, and disability. For instance, one article profiled a disabled woman of color who defied stereotypes about what is possible for someone in her situation. Another covered the experiences of working-class mothers struggling to balance work and family life. These articles highlighted different perspectives and showed that Cherie was interested in representing all kinds of women, not just those who fit a certain mold.
Overall, Cheri's decision to embrace more diverse content helped it stay relevant and appealing to a broader audience. By recognizing the need for inclusivity and representing a variety of voices, they were able to maintain their position as one of France's leading lifestyle publications. While some might argue that traditional values should remain unchanged, others applaud Cheri for embracing modern sensibilities and reflecting the changing cultural landscape.