A ZINE FOR BATORS BY BATORS
What is BEAR IT Zine?
BEAR IT is a quarterly celebration of sexuality and queerness inspired by the unapologetically sexy, socially-conscious DIY magazines (zines) of the 1970s-1990s. The goal is to take topics that have become too taboo to discuss in public – sexuality, masturbation, body positivity, gender expression and more – and radically celebrate them with artistry, compassion, care and community in hopes of empowering everyone to embrace their fullest sexual selves.
Our Mission
Use printed media to bring taboo subjects out of the digital world and into our shared, lived space—creating room for honest dialogue, curiosity, and human connection. Through tangible design and tactile storytelling, we invite our audience to engage openly, reflect deeply, and explore the intersections of intimacy, identity, and art.
Our Audience
Thoughtful thots, highbrow horndogs, sexy scholars, and bookish bators in search of buds. We are folks who see sexuality not only for its ability to titillate and excite, but also for its power to create art, community, connection, mindfulness, and more. These are people whose sexuality is more than a means to achieve orgasm, and whose values are rooted in inclusivity, consent, and empowerment.
Why a printed zine?
Independent publishing has long been a powerful tool for liberation. Queer people relied on independently produced zines throughout the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s to compensate for their erasure in traditional media. Like the hallowed halls of queer bars, these publications provided a space for community and exploration. While social media has created many more opportunities to connect, so much queer experience and culture has become widely dispersed and ephemeral. We believe a beautifully-designed, high-quality magazine has the ability to stand out against an endless scroll of the typical (mostly white, mostly cis) influencer content dominating queer media.
FAQ's
ABOUT BEAR IT
1 / How can I get involved?
You can contribute by submitting art, photography, writing, or your personal stories. We also encourage participation through community engagement on social media and events.
2 / Is Bear It Zine about bears?
Nope! While we love all body types, Bear It Zine isn’t specifically focused on “bears” as in the gay community. Our name reflects the raw, unapologetic vulnerability we stand for—like bearing it all, emotionally and sexually.