The sex zine round-up: Must-read zines talking sex
By: Meg Crane
Tags: Sexuality, Feminism, Zines, Sex Work, Review

Zines allow people to share experiences — sometimes anonymously — that aren’t often heard in the mainstream. When it comes to the world of sex, this is especially true. And reading about something so intimate in such an intimate medium is so much more satisfying.

Here are a few sex-related zines that share new perspectives, as well as important and practical information.

Body Conscious Birth Control: An Introduction to the Fertility Awareness Method

This zine gives an overview of this all-natural form of birth control, but the author admits it’s just an introduction, and encourages readers who are going to go ahead with it to check out other sources. That said, it gives enough information that one could conceivably decide if this method will work for them and even provides the chart needed to get started.

And for those not interested in using Fertility Awareness Method (FAM), the zine is packed with information that’s missing from most high school sex ed classes, including detailed charts of the vagina and vulva and explanations of what different consistencies of vaginal fluid mean, as well as their purpose. Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to our bodies and health, and this zine is a great place to start getting a better understanding of them.

For anyone who has or who experiences vaginas, this is a must-read.

To get your hands on a copy, email losingalltouch@hotmail.com or check out Body-Conscious Birth Control on Facebook.

Well Worn Very Used

The author notes that they are unlike many other people who sell their used socks online in adult listings. Other sellers often belittle potential customers, but this seller approaches them with a kindness that you can feel in the zine itself.

Well Worn Very Used gives an overview of the writer’s experience selling their socks, including snippets from real conversations they’ve had with customers and potential customers, and advice on how to get started. At some points it’s humorous — such as the fight scene they wrote for two socks a client had purchased — but the jokes are never at anyone’s expense. They make it clear that there’s nothing funny about people’s desires, and they paint sympathetic, realistic pictures from their impressions of their clients’ lives.

For anyone looking to make a couple extra bucks or who have a bit of curiosity about the world of Ebanned.net, this is a great read. To get a copy, shoot an email to the author at toomanysocksxo@yahoo.com.

If You’re Into It! An Erotic (Or Not) Choose Your Own Adventure Story About Practising Good Consent

Celeste Inez Mathilda released a choose-you-own-adventure zine to teach about consent. Episode 1: Hit The Dance Floor! only has options for the folks who choose to show off their dance moves at the anarchist book fair’s after-party, but from there there are options for those who are a bit more shy, or simply would rather not.

You, the main character, have opportunities to ask for consent, give consent, and learn more about consent. And not just sexually. If you choose to enter the mosh pit, you must learn about making sure people are okay with all sorts of physical contact. If you fail, you’ll face a gelatinous cube that devours you.

All storylines either end with your return to the entrance of the afterparty where you can decide if you’ll dance, snack, or hide under a table, among other options, or be comically destroyed for not taking the autonomy of others into consideration.

This zine also teaches about pronouns, making it a great read for people who need a lesson or who just want to have a little fun while learning more about consent.

The zine and its subsequent issues are available at ofcourseyoucan.etsy.com.

Working It

This is a zine for sex workers, by sex workers, and includes important safety information and humour through personal essays, artwork, comics, and lists.

One such list is the Bad Date Line, which is a catalogue of information about clients who sex workers have had trouble with, ranging from not having boundaries respected to being assaulted. There’s also a list of medical facilities that are specifically sex worker friendly.

Throughout the zine, there’s a ton of variety in pieces, both in terms of medium and subject matter, so while you’re gaining important info, it’s also an interesting read. And not just for sex workers. Working It gives supporters of the industry a better idea of sex workers’ struggles and needs, and how they can effectively be supportive.

In a review of Conflict is Not Abuse: Overstating Harm, Community Responsibility, the author even critiques white feminists and their treatment of sex workers. Other pieces discuss specific situations workers have been in, a history of sex worker Nell Gwyn, and a guide to using herbs to attract money.

Unfortunately, the Etsy shop that sold Working It was shut down, but copies of the zine are available by emailing workingitinportland@gmail.com.

Taking time to read sex zines can open up new worlds and ideas. It’s a great place to learn how other people experience their bodies and sexualities. Etsy is packed full of zinesters who’ve shared their experiences and who are definitely worth the support of a few bucks for a good read.