ZINES: What They're All About
ZINES! Radical Creative Outlets for Rebel Souls!
I first learned about zines from one of my amazing Kink Informed Certification instructors, and immediately found myself asking ‘Where have these been my entire life?” It truly was, love at first craft! The underground nature, subversive history and retro fashion of zines spoke straight to my gen X rebel soul and I’ve incorporated them into my coaching and education practice ever since!
So, what the heck IS a Zine?
Zines - (pronounced ZEENS) are short, small-batch, self-published forms of self expression often focused on niche interests.
Despite what many people first assume, the term zine is actually short for ‘Fanzine’ not magazine and was initially popularized during the Science Fiction scenes of the late 20’s and 30’s. Sci-Fi fans were so disappointed with what they considered to be “the bad writing of the era”, that they began to make their own fan created publications - Fanzines! The first of which was ‘The Comet’ which began publishing in 1930.
Damn the Man! Not Just for Fan-Fiction!
One of the aspects of zines that I really love is that they are an extremely Punk and Queer medium that challenges us to think more critically, and encourages people to break away from dominant ways of generating, assessing and distributing knowledge.
Their rich history is rooted in:
● anti-authoritarian and anti-capitalist values,
● focusing on self-expression and lived experience. Zines have
● often represented the voices of people on the fringe,
● providing space for oppressed and marginalized voices and stories that struggle to be heard.
The format of a Zine allows people to write, print and share whatever they need to say, no permission required! It’s no wonder my Rebel heart loves them so much ;D
Resistance, Revolution and Regaining personal power and autonomy.
The use of DIY zines really boomed in the 70’s punk movements as a way to subvert the establishment and share music, messages, manifestos & media that were often subject to censorship. Zines were also used to share secret meeting places to connect with and build community.
In the late 80’s & early 90’s zines were an integral part of the organization of the Queercore movement and Feminist Punk Movement - Riot Grrrl! And while the term ‘zine’ only became commonplace in the 30’s, independent and self-published works have been around since the advent of the printing press! In fact zine-like self-publications have played a key part in many acts of resistance throughout history, including movements like the American Revolution.
The only rule of Zines is that there are no rules! Ok, maybe one.
So many options! Zines can cover any topic and may include art, music, poetry, collage, photos, comics, opinions, tutorials, fan-fic, politics, activism, day to day thoughts, puzzles, scavenger hunts, manifestos… really, anything the ‘Zinester’ wants to include. Which this human’s queer, bi, polyamorous nature loves!
Traditionally Zines are typically created with paper which is folded, glued and sometimes stapled, and often embellished with stamps, stickers, pictures & drawings which can be layered with more writing, photos, pieces of other publications and other repurposed materials. Modern day zines can even be created completely digitally and be printed out or shared online. (Like this!🔗 ) The only thing that is needed for the work to be a zine is for the maker to identify the published product as a zine.
Why attend a Zine Making Workshop?
Channeling your thoughts and feelings creatively into art!
There is something magical about the collective energy and support that comes from creating, crafting, and collaborating as a group. It’s why running workshops is one of my favorite things!
I love to support and guide each group, watching their amazing creations take shape from start to finish! All the while we collectively hold space for each other in a non-judgemental, safer, braver space, allowing us to dive into deep, creative and collaborative discussion around sex, intimacy, pleasure, relationships and sexuality while we channel our thoughts and feelings creatively into art!
Have Fun unleashing your inner punk with Rebel’s Zine Workshops!
Relationship Rebel Zine workshops are super fun! I always have a central theme, provide all the necessary materials and there is always a special treat to enjoy! In recent Rebel Zine making workshops we made Scene Zines- pocket sized scene negotiation guides and Valentines Zines- sassy gifts for partners, friends and persons of interest.
The next Relationship Rebel zine making workshop theme is Sex Education Zines! Together we will combine comprehensive, age appropriate, accurate, affirming & inclusive sexual health information with our individual artistic flair and personality, creating fun and informational sex ed zines specifically tailored to give to our young people. Sex Ed Zines are the perfect way to start this awkward yet important conversation in a fun & accessible format that your young person will secretly love, while they roll their eyes at you dramatically. 🙄🥰
#SexEdSavesLives