A Victorian trans* man has started a new gender-diverse focused zine that will shed some light on masculinity and transgender people.
‘Dude’, a trans* male-specific zine will be launched in Melbourne tonight as a free and creative resource for transgender men and the wider community.
Dude editor Jez Pez said the inspiration for Dude formed from a gap in resources for the transgender community.
‘People are still quite unaware of the existence of trans* guys and having to always educate in person when trying to hook up in a bar scenario or party scenario is quite tiresome,’ Pez said.
‘I thought if there was a resource out there in all bars and clubs and sex on site venues and cafes etc. then it might spread the word.’
The editor said besides the GQ booklet from the Rainbow Network and Trans Melbourne Gender Project and some online resources, there just was not enough trans* focused resources available.
‘There are not enough (resources) as there isn’t enough funding to create them,’ Pez said.
‘But Dude is a creative and easily accessible resource. It will give an overview on who we are and the diversity of trans* guys and provide helpful language to use in a respectful way when communicating.’
The zine will feature comics, art, photography, personal writing, erotica and more, according to Pez, who said he was inundated with submissions.
‘We received so many submissions from Australia and worldwide that we want to create more issues,’ he said.
‘We need financial support. I do this in my free time and want to make it a free resource which means I need financial support to print them. Donations, sponsorships and funding are welcomed!’
Dude launches tonight at Hares and Hyenas Bookstore in Fitzroy, Victoria at 7.30pm on February 18.
For a copy of Dude zine, more information and how to donate, check out www.dudemagazine.wordpress.com.
Benn Dorrington
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