GLOW PROJECT: MIX AND MATCH ZINE

THE GLOW PROJECT is the newest venture from York’s very own Women and Non-binary Network. This project has been months in the making, featuring collaborations from different talents across campus. The name Glow stems from the move of the network towards the new name of Gender Liberation Network and reflects the emphasis on gender liberation issues throughout this work. The vision for this was to create a magazine as a final product with a Y2K aesthetic and a mix-match zine feel to it. Glow is a project that aims to be inclusive of queer voices and illusive of any gender binaries. York has yet to fulfil its queer potential, with only one queer space in the whole city, much more needs to be done to ensure gender and sexuality are given enough space to grow. The purpose of Glow has always been to provide, in some small way, this space of comfort in the form of poetry, art and photography.

The pieces that make up the body of the zine range from Gwenllian Davis’s poetry to an article from Cora Lancashire, to artwork by Adassa Dixon. Content creators were given free reign to submit pieces they felt passionate about without restraints on how their creativity should be portrayed. The work covers themes of perceptions of gender and sexuality through ideas of identity.

QUEER POTENTIAL, Y2K AESTHETIC, ANDROGYNY

There is also a focus on Body Image and the experiences of being fat in a world where it is frowned upon. Despite each piece containing different vulnerabilities of different individuals, reading it there is a sense of unity and togetherness. The feel of the work was that of community. From speaking to different creators, many found the process of trying something out of their comfort zone, whether that be modelling or writing, was cathartic and empowering. Glow provides a home for this action of laying yourself bare and honest.

A highlight of the Glow project were the incredible photoshoots. The first photoshoot consisted of a full Y2K theme with butterflies, silver streamers and mirrorballs. These looks were photographed by Quinn, who really captured the spirit of 2000s teen vogue. Our second photoshoot took a more stripped back approach with a focus on androgyny. This vision was captured by Meg Maguire. Both of these shoots really capture the essence of Glow, with their focus on illusive notions of gender and queer representation. Many of the pages of Glow feature photospreads from these. We also have all of our talent credited in the style of a yearbook featuring headshots from Meg.

The launch of the magazine will take place on Friday February 17 at the Lounge in James College. The event was organised by the current Woman and Non-Binary (WNBN) Officer, Izzy Andrews, to celebrate the debut of the zine and highlight some of the works included. The night will feature comedy acts and a raffle. There will also be a photographer ready to take dreamy photos of our radiant guests glowing! Limited physical copies of Glow have been made available through pre order in order to reduce printing in excess. If you are unable to get your hands on a physical copy, the final product will be available onlineso be sure to check it out!

This project and event have also included a collaboration with the current Raising and Giving (RAG) Officer, Ellen Rintoul, and their network’s chosen charity IDAS. IDAS is the largest specialist charity in the North of England supporting people affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence. Ticket sales from the launch party will be given in full to the charity whilst the magazine features a double page spread with information from Beth at IDAS, a York alumni, on how this money will be used. To summarise this article, the proceeds from the launch will aid them “to assist clients with gas, electric, baby milk, groceries and hygiene products”.

Glow may be a Woman and Non-Binary Network debut, but at its heart it is a collaboration of talent across the student body. The project has highlighted how