Jake Alan Mahr, member of CritiCC research group, defended his PhD thesis entitled "Non-binary and contra-binary representations in zines: exploring third space perspectives and the practice of (re)invention". This thesis has been directed by Dra. Pilar Medina Bravo (CritiCC's coordinator) and Dra. Mercè Oliva Rota, from Department of Communication of Pompeu Fabra University. Continuing with his work carried out during his master's research, the CritiCC's member delved into the representations of non-binary and contra-binary identities observed in zines, appropriate and independent media. For this purpose, he applied queer theory (poststructuralism and deconstruction applied to sexual identities), and that of the third space, using critical discourse analysis and grounded-theory.

Jake Alan Mahr managed to identify content/text, images/visuals and style in 20 different zines in order to propose the (re)invention. Dynamics by which the author explains the alterations and critical reconfigurations of language, the visual elements and formal elements that are used to represent different identities in a non-binary and contra-binary way. The researcher emphasized (re)moulding, (re)-claiming and (re)definition as processes of (re)invention.