TL;DR
- A new zine titled ‘We Protect Us’ addresses hate crimes against LGBTQ+ youth.
- The publication advocates for community-based solutions instead of relying on prisons.
- Youth leaders are encouraged to brainstorm innovative responses to violence.
- The zine highlights the disproportionate risks LGBTQ+ individuals face.
- It aims to spark conversations around justice and safety in marginalized communities.
In a bold move that’s shaking up the conversation around violence and justice, a group of LGBTQ+ youth have launched a zine that’s turning heads and challenging norms. Titled We Protect Us, this new publication is all about finding ways to respond to hate crimes without defaulting to the prison system. Yes, you heard that right. It’s time to rethink how we handle violence, and these young trailblazers are leading the charge.
Released in March, the zine dives deep into the realities of hate crimes against young LGBTQ+ individuals, pushing back against the idea that policing and incarceration are the only answers. Student Jacqueline Pham, who played a pivotal role in creating this zine, has been influenced by movements like Black Lives Matter and Stop AAPI Hate. Pham has come to see the prison system as a perpetuator of racial injustice, not a solution.
“I want my community to feel validated and legitimate,” Pham shared, reflecting on their journey toward becoming a prison abolitionist. But they posed a critical question: “What other choices do we have?” This zine doesn’t just ask questions; it offers a platform for young voices to imagine alternatives to the punitive systems that often fail them.
Illustrated by Jessica Nguyen, We Protect Us is a blend of personal stories, art, and political discourse, all designed to engage readers in a dialogue about justice. According to GSA Network Co-Executive Director Gia Loving, the zine is a response to a pressing need: “How do we support folks who have been hurt within [the] community and are looking for accountability?” This question has been echoing in LGBTQ+ spaces for years, and now it’s front and center.
While violent crime rates may be declining overall, LGBTQ+ individuals still face a staggering number of identity-based attacks. In 2024, a whopping 17.2% of hate crimes reported targeted individuals based on sexual orientation, with 4% aimed at those based on gender identity. The zine argues that the current justice system does little to protect marginalized communities and that real safety comes from community solidarity, not state intervention.
Chris Chavers, a senior national policy and programs organizer for the Transgender Law Center, puts it plainly: “Safety isn’t going to come from the state. All it does is lead to more incarceration and policing.” The zine encourages readers to actively envision alternatives, featuring discussion prompts and sections for write-ins to help communities brainstorm ways to address harm without the heavy hand of law enforcement.
This initiative is not just about addressing violence; it’s about empowering young people to take the reins in shaping their futures. Loving emphasizes that youth are crucial in these conversations, saying, “Young people are very much engaged in real conversations [about] making the world a better place.” It’s a call to action for the next generation to think creatively and collaboratively about safety and justice.
In a world where debates over policing and LGBTQ+ rights are intensifying, the We Protect Us zine stands as a beacon of hope and innovation. It’s a reminder that the future of justice can be reimagined, one community at a time. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the zine, get inspired, and join the movement for a safer, more inclusive world.