Emily Bourne is a writer, artist, and activist—quite a lot of boxes to check for the 19-year-old London native. Through determination and talent Bourne has carved out a creative outlet and support system for all ages. It was beyond fascinating to bend her ear and find, even on the other side of the pond, the struggles and injustices of the marginalized are shockingly similar.

---

 

All artwork by: Emily Bourne — Titles Top To Bottom Left To Right: Tinder, Wheelchair, Stop Telling Sick Girls To Smile, Making The World A Little Less Boring, Ableism, Chronically Ill And Groovy, Queerboy, Jamie Windust

As a fellow zine editor what have you found the most rewarding and conversely the most challenging part of wearing that hat?

The most rewarding thing as a zine editor is seeing people trust you with their stories. Being the first person to hear their point of view and experiences. Sometimes it’s heart-breaking, sometimes it makes you laugh and sometimes you’ll whisper “hell yeah” whilst editing a Google doc at 2 in the morning.

I would say the most challenging thing is finding a balance between keeping someone’s piece raw and making sure it’s readable. Sometimes someone will submit a very delicate piece, close to their heart, but the grammar and flow of it needs fixing a little – and it’s hard to know what to do, because raw feelings shouldn’t really be edited to flow easier. The point usually is that there is no flow.

If you had to slap a single message or slogan for Risen Zine what would it be and why?

Helping young people find their voices, and in turn, themselves.

Your artwork can be female forward, which is incredible, but I am curious as to other subject matter you’ve explored. Also, if you wouldn’t mind sharing a few examples that would be wonderful.

I’ve also created a lot of work surrounding disability. The reason for this is because I struggled with my own for a long while. In addition, I’ve created work surrounding LGBTQI people and rights. I focus a lot on activism.

The zine world might be lost on most of the young world since its inception was in the 90’s. What does the zine world mean to you and how did you discover it?

Honestly, ‘zine’ to me is just a magazine without the capitalism. All the zine makers I know, create them to express themselves and are usually non-profit. When I think of magazines bought from your local store, they profit off other’s misfortune and gossip.

Tell our readers a little about yourself: where did you grow up? what is your favorite color? what music, artist, song can you not live without? what is your across the board current obsession and what do stand unapologetically behind?

I grew up in a small town in England. I love the countryside. I don’t understand the Tube. I’ve been writing letters and penpalling for as long as I remember. (There’s just something so pure about receiving a hand-written letter from a friend.) My obsession? Wigs! Writing! Singing badly. Fantasy! What do I stand apologetically behind? Jeremy Corbyn. Women. The gays.

My favourite colour is pink and always will be. I used to pretend it was black and red because I thought I was edgy. But inside my being is a pink fluffy puff ball. I love The Beatles, The 1975, King Princess, The Front Bottoms and Maisie Peters. Favorite song? How could I decide that? How?

 Finish the sentence: What the world needs now….

What the world needs now is reflection. Who are we? Where are we going? Are you happy about it?

---

Find out more about Emily Bourne HERE