Bust Magazine is one of my all time favorites. The Brooklyn-based bi-monthly mag features D.I.Y. tutorials, art, news, sex, bloggers, fashion, female celebs, all through a third generation feminist perspective. Since it’s creation in ’93, Bust has aimed to provide a pro-female perspective on subject matter cast out by other leading magazines (i.e., Vogue, Cosmo, etc.).by embracing the feminine activities generally rejected by second wave feminists of the 70s & 80s.
Enter Debbie Stoller, co-creator & co-owner of Bust. She’s a renowned author (she’s been on the NYT best-selling list for a few of her books, the most famous being Stitch ‘N Bitch Nation) and the current editor-in-chief of the magazine; she also has a Ph.D. (yeah, girl!) and has started various international Stitch ‘N Bitch programs, not to mention the yarn line she has out, too.
I look up to her for a variety of reasons: For one, I love that she is an advocate for third wave feminism. I’ve always believed that feminism is about choice. The consistent persecution of activities deemed as “feminine” and oppressive by hardcore second wavers really discouraged the advent of choice, and in a sense, by equating these “feminine activities” with negative language, feminism no longer exists because all feminine attributes have been stricken. Stoller instead embraces the idea of reclaiming old-school feminine activities such as sewing and cooking and introduces them in a new light, one that can be embraced by the modern feminist as the exuberant joy of being a woman–also referred to as “girlie feminism.”
My friend Avis & I have also discussed starting a magazine, and Bust provides the perfect blueprint. The three founders all had completely different ideas for life in mind, but they came together because of a shared passion: Women. Stoller saw a way to empower ladies through her creative lens of hand-crafting, and she expanded on this idea to run one of the most successful fem mags in the U.S. alongside her dedicated team. It fills my heart with joy to know that opinionated, strong women have a way to voice their thoughts and interests while still maintaining femininity–one day, I hope to be a part of something so special and meaningful.
Seriously, though, if you do nothing else, subscribe to Bust. If you can’t find enough money in your wallet, the zine has also published various compilations (my favorite being The Bust DIY Guide to Life) featuring some of the best writings over the years.
I generally check the site daily, and you can also follow the magazine fo’ free on Twitter: @bust_magazine. Have I mentioned that I NEED to move to Brooklyn?
