DIY zines are helping queer communities tell their own stories and craft their own culture

For decades, zinemakers have used their self-published work to forge connections and nurture political movements outside of the mainstream.

By: Rachel Schneider, Missouri University of Science and Technology, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: June 17, 2026

Words: 1,322

Last Updated: 1 month ago

Body Text Preview

By Rachel Schneider, Missouri University of Science and Technology

At Pride festivals held across the U.S. and beyond, among the tables offering voter registration forms or condoms, you’ll likely run into some queer zinemakers.

Zines are DIY publications circulated by their creators. They originated in science fiction fan communities in the 1930s, when enthusiasts self-published stories and critiques.

It’s hard to capture the scope of zines with one overarching definition, since they …

Create a free account to access this story and more

Join Plucky Wire to access full stories, collaborate with newsrooms, and discover content from networks around the world.

About

FAQ

Email Us