Zines, pint-sized publications that blend DIY culture with the creative exploration of writers, artists, and activists alike, are taking the world of sex education by storm thanks to two PPSNE educators, Jessica Duggan and Sophia Washburn.
Zines have a rich history of allowing space to express topics that many consider taboo and Jessica and Sophia are embracing this to enhance the sex education they bring to their students. Each semester, students pick a topic and create a two-page spread, exploring any topic covered in class, however they want. The entire project is completed during class time and is designed to serve as a creative outlet for the students. Jessica and Sophia emphasize the idea that Zines aren't about creating perfectly designed pages— Zines are about self-expression and fostering powerful conversations around important topics.
"We really want our students to have a sense of ownership over the content they are learning," said Jessica, "With magazines, brochures, and old materials as resources, students delve into topics like healthy relationships, consent, and decision-making around sex. It has been amazing to watch our students explore their own experiences and share valuable insights in this way.”
But the Zine project doesn’t stop there. Jessica and Sophia took it to the national stage, presenting their Zine curriculum at the 2023 National Sex Ed Conference in Atlantic City. They shared their insights on using Zines as a tool for sex education, emphasizing collaboration, community building, and the power of DIY culture.
Their workshop was a hit, drawing educators from all over the country eager to learn and share. From discussing the history of Zines to creating their own, participants embraced the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning and connect with like-minded educators.
Jessica and Sophia continued to spread their message virtually at the Drawing Water from a Deeper Well conference, hosted by Planned Parenthood Federation of America. Embracing the digital format, they found ways to engage participants, encouraging them to explore the intersection of Zines and sex education in their own classrooms.
With each semester, Jessica and Sophia refine their approach, constantly seeking ways to better integrate Zines into their curriculum and empower their students to become active participants in their own education.
"We're still tweaking and evolving the project," Jessica continued. "But the impact we've seen so far has been incredible. It's about more than just teaching facts—it's about fostering creativity, building community, and empowering young people to make informed choices about their bodies and their lives."
As they look ahead to future semesters, Jessica and Sophia are excited to watch the Zine project evolve and are looking forward to continuing their journey to transform sex education, one page at a time.
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