'The Advocate', one of the most respected gay publications in the world, has decided to stop concealing itself from the world. From last week, subscription copies of the twice-monthly title are not wrapped up to conceal the front cover. While subscribers can still choose to receive an 'anonymous' copy in the post, most have opted to be open with their postman about their choice of reading material. The Advocate is the oldest continually-published gay title in the US. It began in 1967 as the Los Angeles Advocate. Two years later was renamed and distributed nationally. Michael Phelps, the publisher of The Advocate, told the New York Times: "The majority no longer wanted the covering. "For some, they said they were environmentally conscious and wanted to cut down on waste. For others, it was more of an out-and-proud issue." The Advocate is owned by PlanetOut. Last week a company that invests the wealth of Microsoft founder Bill Gates purchased a major stake in the company. Ref: Pinknews.co.uk (m)