the zine queens of sexual freedom.
how feminist voices turned paper into power and intimacy
In the pre-internet era, information about sex was scarce, censored, or framed through a male lens. But from the 70s through the 90s, women across the U.S. and beyond started creating something radical: zines. These self-published magazines were crafted with typewriters, scissors, and glue, often in bedrooms, basements, and dorm rooms.
Within their pages, readers found advice for couples, erotic stories centering women’s experiences, and practical guidance on contraception and LGBTQ+ sexuality. These zines didn’t dictate rules—they shared experiences, fostered discussion, and built communities. They gave a voice to those who had been silenced and created a space for honest conversations about intimacy, consent, and relationships.
The zine queens’ work was both personal and political. They challenged societal taboos, questioned who gets to speak about sex, and proved that knowledge can be radical when shared. Each issue was a declaration: women could author their own narratives, claim their experiences, and educate one another outside of mainstream channels.
At maude, we carry forward that spirit. Inspired by these pioneers, we create guides for couples that center communication, mutual understanding, and agency. From practical tips to thoughtful explorations of intimacy, we aim to make sexual knowledge accessible, inclusive, and empowering.
This International Women’s Day and every Women’s History Month, we honor the women who printed what others refused to say. Their courage lives on in every guide, every discussion, and every moment when women take the lead in defining intimacy on their own terms.
