Abstract

Arguing for the centrality of print culture to gay and lesbian identity formation, this research-creation project involves the production of a print publication inspired and informed by archival research within The Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives. A queer zine is produced that resists the increased corporate control on gay and lesbian print, and problematizes the impact of digital media on how discourse is circulated amongst gay men and lesbians. Referring to Foucault’s theories on sexuality and discourse power, as well as Nancy Fraser’s discussion of subaltern counterpublics and the public sphere, a performative intervention investigates how counterdiscourses provide alternate representations of sexual minorities. This research also argues for the diversification of queer representations in print, paying particular attention to the inclusion of intersecting identities related to race, gender, sexuality and class.