Wasted Ink is pleased to announce a new publishing program called TransForming AZ. This robust series of workshops and events provides free zine publishing to 50 trans, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming adults across the state of Arizona in Spring 2024.
What's a Zine?
From ZineWiki.com: "A zine (pronounced zeen)–derived from magazine–is an independently- or self-published booklet, often created by a single person. Zines are customarily created by physically cutting and gluing text and images together onto a master flat for photocopying, but it is also common to produce the master by typing and formatting pages on a computer. The end product is usually folded and stapled. Zines can be printed and bound in any manner."
Check out Wasted Ink Zine Distro’s library for some more examples!
Transforming AZ FAQ

  • What is a zine?
From ZineWiki.com: "A zine (pronounced zeen)–derived from magazine–is an independently- or self-published booklet, often created by a single person. Zines are customarily created by physically cutting and gluing text and images together onto a master flat for photocopying, but it is also common to produce the master by typing and formatting pages on a computer. The end product is usually folded and stapled. Zines can be printed and bound in any manner. " Check out Wasted Ink Zine Distro’s library for some more examples!

  • What will we be making in the workshops?
​We will use the workshop time to make a 16-page cut-copy-paste zine together. The first workshop will be an introduction to zines and we will begin the creation of our pages. You will have working time to complete your zine after the first workshop. Then, we will scan and print the pages for you. The second workshop will be a gathering where we fold and staple numerous copies of the zines and share with the group. Please note: We will provide resources for digital zine designing, but we won't be providing direct instruction on how to design and layout a zine online, but rather the old-school DIY style of zine-making. 

  • I am not openly trans/nonbinary; can I participate in this project?
Yes! So long as you self-identify as transgender, nonbinary, Two-Spirit, genderqueer, gender-nonconforming, gender-fluid, agender, intergender, pangender, or any other identity along the spectrum, using any terminology you choose, you are eligible to participate. You do not need to be “out” in any sense of the word; your identity as a participant will not be made public, and you can use an alias when you publish your zine. We will not out you during this project. 

  • Do I have to currently live in Arizona to apply?
This project aims to showcase the voices of trans and nonbinary individuals in Arizona, reflecting this particular community at this particular moment in time. You must primarily reside in Arizona to participate in this project, though it’s okay if you are currently not in Arizona during the dates of the workshops–in this case you may participate in the virtual workshops in March and April.

  • Where will the workshops and events take place?
All in-person gatherings will take place in central Phoenix. We will release the venue address to participants just before the workshops and events occur.

  • What safety measures will be in place for in-person participation?
All people involved in the development, implementation, and staffing of the project are transgender. Working exclusively with trans individuals will support the safety and comfort of participants. Event and workshop locations will not be publicized and will only be disclosed to participating registrants. Trans-allied security staffing will also be on hand for all in-person events.

  • When is the deadline to apply?
There is no strict deadline, but we encourage you to apply as soon as possible! As we begin to reach capacity we will update the website to note which workshops are still accepting submissions.

  • Which series of dates should I apply for?
We will hold three rounds of workshops in Spring 2024, with two taking place in the Phoenix area and one taking place virtually over Zoom. You can participate in only one series overall, but when you submit your interest, please select all dates that you may be able to participate in–this will help us include as many creators as possible!

  • How are you accepting participants for this project?
The project organizers will accept eligible participants on a first come, first served basis. There is no judging process beyond trying to include as many participants as possible until we reach capacity. For the safety of all participants, you may be asked to complete a brief Zoom check-in with the organizers to confirm your application.

  • When will we know if we’ve been selected to participate?
We will notify participants by mid-January for the first round of workshops, and as we reach capacities for the second and third workshops. You may not hear back right after you submit, as we will wait until we’ve received enough submissions to schedule a full cohort before reaching out to coordinate with everyone.

  • Is there any cost to participate?
No; grant funding has allowed us to cover the costs of printing zines for all participants. If you submit a zine, you will receive copies of your own zine as well as zines from other participants. Your zine will also be included in the TransForming AZ Zine collection, which will be distributed to public libraries and private collections throughout the state.

  • What should I make my zine about?
Content is entirely up to you. The workshops will provide some creative prompts that you can choose to respond to, or you can go in any direction you please! Your zine does not have to be “about” your gender; you can make it about anything that interests you or anything you wish to express or share.

  • What if I’m struggling to complete my zine?
We are here for you! In-person and online working sessions will be held in between in each workshop, and the project team will be available to chat and answer individual questions throughout the process. You do not need to have any fancy tool or materials to make a zine, and we’ll help you with next steps using whatever materials you have on hand at home!

  • When is my completed zine due for inclusion in the TransForming AZ Zine collection?
Each workshop series will have a deadline between the first and second workshop for you to submit your physical pages or digital files for printing. Free scanning services will be available in Phoenix via Wasted Ink Publishing and Paper Jam + Print.

  • Who will be printing and publishing my zine? 
Wasted Ink Publishing and Shut Eye Press are collaborating to print and distribute these zine collections. Each participant will receive a number of free finished zines to share with others. 

  • Who will own my zine once it is published?
You! While we will be helping to print and distribute the zines, you retain all publishing rights. This means you can create additional copies of your zine to swap and sell, upload your entire zine for viewing online, and do with it as you wish! We will not make copies of your zine to sell; the copies we make will only be donated to collections and libraries throughout the state. You will be provided with a number of your own zines to keep or share with others.

  • What will happen at the zine celebration in June?
After the three workshop series have taken place, we will hold two final celebratory events during Pride Month: an online reading and an in-person gathering in Phoenix (limited to participants and their plus ones), where all 50 participants will be invited to share, celebrate, and trade their zines.

  • What if I have questions that aren’t addressed here?
Reach out to us at [email protected] with any questions or media inquiries.