It Gets Better CanadaIt Gets Better CanadaWe believe youth should have free access to affirming stories and resources!
Here you’ll find a multitude of short, independently made mini-magazines, known as “zines”, which will help support queer youth to navigate common experiences and feelings that come up, especially around Back to School Season.
These zines are intended to be printed, folded, and displayed in classrooms, community centers, or your own home for youth to access fun and affirming resources. Take a look below
Zines (short for magazines or fanzines) are handmade and self-published booklets. This “do it yourself” style of publishing has allowed marginalized people and communities without access to conventional publishing methods to share their stories and knowledge. They can include anything: writing, drawings, poetry, collage, comics, stories, or information. Zines are raw, real, and personal — no permission needed. The beauty of zines is that they make it so easy to share your own stories and knowledge. Print out the blank template and follow the instructions in the instructional document included in our library to create your own zine. This is a great activity for a classroom, GSA, or youth group!
The 8-Page Zine: Fold & Cut Method
Design & Print: Layout your 8 pages on one sheet using this guide. Page 1 is your cover.
Fold in Half: Fold the paper in half lengthwise (“hot dog fold”). Unfold.
Fold in Half Again: Fold the paper in half widthwise (“hamburger fold”). Unfold. You should now have a + of crease lines.
Refold Longwise: Fold it back along the original “hot dog” fold so it’s a long, narrow rectangle.
Make the Cut: With scissors, cut a slit along the center fold, from the folded edge to the center crease. Do not cut all the way across.
Form the Book: Unfold the paper completely. Push the ends of the slit together so it opens into a + shape. Collapse the pages into a booklet and crease the spine.
Download and print the zines from our library and follow these instructions to assemble them. These zines can be kept for personal enjoyment or displayed in classrooms, libraries, or community centers for youth to access.
These zines were created by zine-enthusiasts among the It Gets Better Canada Staff and Youth Advisory Committee. These zines draw from the academic knowledge, professional expertise, and lived experiences of 2SLGBTQ+ youth leaders.
Have questions? Email programs@itgetsbettercanada.org to learn more.
