By Chancy Quan
With the birth of the digital age came many predictions about the death of ‘legacy’ media, including magazines. But one youth-lead publication based in Melbourne’s west is proving that magazines aren’t dead, they’re just evolving.
GenZine is a youth-led magazine, dedicated to amplifying voices and telling stories of gender equity and social justice in the western suburbs. It was founded in 2021 by three women from Maribyrnong and recently celebrated its sixth issue.
Title Roots, the latest edition was launched alongside live performances, poetry reading and interactive activities at the Phoenix Youth Centre in Buckley Street. Supported by the Maribyrnong City Council, the event doubled as the opening of a special exhibition showcasing artworks by GenZine’s contributors.
Roots dives deep into the diversity of identity and connection with this land, highlighting stories of immigration, seeking asylum, cultural heritage, and indigeneity.
The theme of Roots is open to interpretation according to Charlotte Cameron, co-founder of GenZine.
“ I think that’s probably getting to the heart of people’s roots and where they’ve come from,” she says. “Some people interpret that as their ancestral roots, cultural roots, evolutionary roots, or for some people, it might mean family.”
She says it interweaves different ways of thinking from people of diverse backgrounds. “People who are bringing together their experience of gender, disability, colonialism, or navigating relationships.”
This issue also explores gender equity and diverse sexuality including personal narratives from people reconciling their religious beliefs with their queerness.
Another founder Hannah Veljanovska says that Genzine distinguishes itself by developing community in Melbourne’s west, creating supportive events where people can connect and share their ideas.
GenZine hosts several events, including a ‘craft noon’ in Footscray, yoga classes focused on self and community care, and an outreach workshop with the social justice stream in Footscray High.
You can contact GenZine via genzineteam@gmail.com
Photographer: Andrea Hipolito
