WHat are zines??
Good question!
Zines are independent publications. Zines are
often a form of political or social activism. Zines
were a large part of the third-wave feminist
movement. Zines are outlets for creating and
cultivating counterstories and countercultures.
Zines are a part of DIY culture and alternative
media. Zines are badass?
Zines have been around for a long time. There were
independent publication during the American
Revolution and fanzines (usually science
fictions-so cool!) were huge in the 1920s.
The badass Riot Grrrl movement of the 1990s was
the beginning of the feminist zine movement.
Riot Grrrl zines created a safe space for
counterstories to be expressed and shared. They
also allowed for the feminist movement to be more
intersectional. One of the largest criticisms of
feminism was its focus on white, middle-class,
educated, American women. Zines allowed for a
widening of the feminist movement. Creating zines
was relatively easy, at least easier than former
means of publication and distribution, so more
individuals were able to involve themselves in
the feminist movement.
What’s up with this issue?
This year’s final issue looks at how Cat Talk
has used zines as a way to foster creativity,
community, and badass feminist discussion among
contributors and readers.
Thank you to everyone who has been a part of Cat
Talk! Everyone who contributed to, read, shared,
or talked about it!
So, what did you like about Cat Talk? What would
you like to see more of? Tell us how you feel about
our first year with our end-of-year survey which
can be found here:
cattalkipfw.tumblr.com/survey