CritiCC researcher Jake Mahr has been awarded best PhD thesis on Gender Related Research for their thesis titled Non-Binary and Contra-Binary Representations in Zines: Exploring third space perspectives and the practice of (re)invention. The award ceremony will be held Friday 24th of November at 12.00 pm in the Auditori Mercè Rodoreda (Campus Ciutadella).

ABSTRACT

Identity binaries are categorical systems that limit the expression of human identity to two fundamentally opposed identities. These binaries are socially constructed, rather than naturally occurring, and are reinforced through media representations. Zines, or small-scale, self-published, do-it yourself booklets and pamphlets, provide a unique opportunity to explore representations of identity that are non-binary, or that contradict the assumptions made by identity binaries. The zine medium’s guiding principles result in relaxed publication standards and few restrictions, allowing zine authors the freedom to create nuanced representations not seen in mainstream media forms.
Through a critical discourse analysis of 20 sampled zines, this research identifies (re)invention, or the use and alteration of hegemonic and mainstream language, concepts, and forms, as an important tool in representing non-binary and contra-binary ways of being and seeing within zines. When deployed, (re)invention offers a third space perspective that questions binary division and redraws boundaries of similarity and
difference.