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In her Rookie Magazine article, “How to Make a Zine,” Emma Dajska defines zines as “self-published, small-circulation, often nonprofit books, papers, or websites” that “usually deal with topics too controversial or niche for mainstream media.”

As Emma says,

“Zine-making isn’t about rules or knowledge; it’s about freedom and POWER.”

“Zines serve as powerful places where survivors are able to tell their stories in an unedited format, and can also provide resources for survivors and those interested in learning more about sexual violence.” – Barnard Zine Library

For inspiration, information, and a sense of community check out this curated list of zines in Barnard College’s collection that discuss sexual assault, relationship violence, and gender-based violence.

Sometimes people create zines together.

On The Road to Healing is created by a group of feminist young men in Austin, Texas.

Sometimes zines are expressions of survival and hope.

What do we do when is a zine about community response to sexual assault. The creator, Sophie, offers a trigger plan and self-care advice, interviews, and fundamentals for supporting survivors.

You can find zines online like A DIY Guide to Preventing Sexual Assault [“It’s up to each of us to prevent sexual assault in our community”] and SANDYtheZine [the fine art of women supporting women]

Comics are an especially powerful way to express the impact of sexual assault and to educate others. Sexual assault survivor Amy Camber explains why she drew this powerful comic illustrating the triggering effects of the 2016 presidential campaign and election.

Because zines and comics are so, well, graphic, it’s especially important to include trigger warnings. Let readers know what they can expect, that content about sexual assault is a recurring theme.

Check out this Everyday Feminism post,“Here’s What Trigger Warnings Are – And What They’re Not” illustrated in the best possible way.

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