Of All Stripes
“Of All Stripes” is a support/health zine that I created for Queer Asians in Toronto. The title references several things, including the idea of various queer identities being represented in the saying “of all stripes” (in the Pride flag); as well as the fact that tigers, a striped creature, are only found in Asia. It’s a vague reference, but one that struck me as important for this zine, despite not including any tiger imagery (at least, for now).
I originally wanted to create a zine that only really had tons of resources for queer Asian folks, but as I sat in on the Summit and listened more to what folks had to say, I started reflecting on my own stories. I believe that stories are the base of all knowledge production, power, resistance (as per A. Sium and E. Ritskes’ Speaking truth to power: Indigenous storytelling as an act of living resistance) and realized that in order to make something meaningful, I had to include my stories in this Zine, as well.
As such, this zine is part reflection (via comics and short blurbs) and part resource-sharing, which I feel fits well with the Summit sessions I had the pleasure to attend. It is my hope that people are not only able to find support via the resources listed, but that, in some way, queer Asian folks find hope and solidarity via my reflections. From resources that help us support other movements to resources that let us support ourselves, I hope queer Asians are able to use this zine as a starting point on their journey to healthier bodies, relationships, and experiences.
Dany Ko
"MXKO, also known as Dany, is a diasporic Filipino/Chinese queer deaf person who focuses on creation and storytelling as a way of connecting to, building, and reimagining community. Recently, they have been leading workshops and discussions on topics such as intersectionality, reimagining identity, storytelling as healing, and Queer Asian pride / solidarity with other movements. They are currently open for commissions and bookings in leading workshops / discussions.
You can follow Dany on Instagram: @Mxkocreates or check out their blog: https://mxkocreates.art.blog/