Zines, short for fanzines, are self-published, non-commercial print works that are typically produced in small batches. They originated as a medium for fan communities to express their interests, but have grown to encompass a wide range of subjects, including art, politics, personal narratives, and social issues. Zines are known for their DIY ethos, allowing for varied forms of expression without the need for approval from traditional publishing or academic gateways. This aspect makes them an ideal medium for exploring and disseminating ideas related to consciousness raising, participatory media, and grassroots activism.

Zines have decades long histories in feminist and queer information activism, creative expression, and mobilizing. Zine work emphasizes participatory media principles, empowering makers to become not just consumers of information but creators of content that reflects their perspectives, concerns, and aspirations.

Since Dr. L. Anh Williams and Dr. M. C. Jonet joined NMSU in 2008, they have integrated their zine work into their research, creativity, and teaching within Gender & Sexuality Studies. They retain several copies of the group zines they created with students and community members from that era, before founding SJZ: Social Justice Zine in 2016 and continue to help oversee zine projects and workshops. 

Currently, Drs. Williams and Jonet are collaborating with the NMSU Library to establish a Feminist Border Arts Zine Collection and archive.