I’m going to produce a digital zine for my capstone project. Zines (short for “magazines” or “fanzines”) are self-published, small circulation booklets or magazines that are either handcrafted or digitally generated. They are frequently connected with activist movements, countercultures, and subcultures. Zines have long been utilized by the queer community as a vehicle for self-expression and as a way to communicate with other members of disadvantaged groups and to exchange knowledge and experiences.
Zines are celebrated for being easily accessible because they may be created and distributed without the assistance of an established publishing infrastructure. Zines can be enjoyed by a wide range of people, including those who are intrigued by alternative or countercultural movements, DIY culture, self-publishing, and the opportunity to read about many viewpoints and experiences. The fact that zines provide a more private and intimate method of communication than traditional media may also draw certain people to them. Zines may appeal to some people because they offer a counternarrative to popular culture and give underrepresented voices a platform.
Additionally, I believe it will be a wonderful approach to touch on queer history because I’ll be discussing the definitions of the labels butch & femme. Because zines are so widely available, I believe my project may be used to educate others who are unaware of queer history or who are just joining the LGBTQ+ community and want to learn more about their identities.
The University of Texas Library describes several generic conventions for zines. Here are three:
- Small size: Zines frequently have a manageable size that makes sharing and carrying them simple.
- Informal production: Handwritten, collaged, and digitally designed zines are frequently produced informally utilizing a range of supplies and techniques.
- Personal material is prevalent in zines, which often include poetry, painting, and other kinds of self-expression.
