
HISTORY COMMUNITY CULTURE
Upfront Magazine - An Early LGBQ Publication in Pensacola
First appearing in November 1972 and running through mid-1973, UpFront Magazine was an early LGBTQ publication in Pensacola, published by UpFront Publishing Co. at 312 West Blount Street. Edited by Robbie Llewellyn—owner of the Yum Yum Tree—the magazine extended beyond its local roots, featuring articles, entertainment coverage, and regional listings that connected readers across the Southeast and beyond.
As an early regional gay publication, UpFront Magazine included dedicated “gay places to go” directories spanning multiple states, linking Pensacola to a broader network of LGBTQ establishments. From its earliest issues, the magazine prominently featured advertisements for the Yum Yum Tree West, including the recurring “Robbie’s Review,” which showcased performers through photographs and named appearances—offering a vivid glimpse into the nightlife and female impersonation culture of the era.
By 1973, the Yum Yum Tree had expanded to include a second venue, the Yum Yum Tree Annex on Pensacola Beach, reflecting the growth of both the establishment and the LGBTQ community it served.




