This first New York Feminist Zine Fest in FIVE YEARS was held on April 6th, at Barnard College.
It was so surreal to be back in that same (extremely sweaty and glorious) room with so many of the zinesters we last saw in 2019, before the world changed (again). Our collective and organizers were in talks after the 2019 fest to help support with bystander intervention and deescalation trainings for the fest volunteers and organizers because we offered real-time support during the 2019 fest. And then the pandemic and everything went on hold. We were so grateful to be invited back and to see all of the amazing offerings the organizers had in place to support vendors and attendees–quiet space, mask mandatory spaces, eating space, greenroom with drinks and snacks, and a wellness space–intentional rooms and access points like these really make events more accessible and welcoming!!
Here’s a brief recap from Red about this year’s fest:
Wow. Zine fests are reunion, organizing, big feeling, and time travel spaces! I am still processing everything that was yesterday’s fest—and so grateful to the NY Feminist Zine Fest organizers and to all the zinesters and beautiful, supportive people who attended! I’m feeling especially thankful for my comrade table-mates and beloveds Jen, Aaron, and Karina! It was so good to hug and see Mariame, Zoe, neta, Hafizah, Juli, Joan, Lauren, Adder, the comrades from Unity & Struggle, Emma K, Marisol, Ayun, and Pau—I love and appreciate all y’all so much.
Can’t wait to see all y’all again soon! Here’s to a feminist zine-filled future for us all!
