A Manifesto for Joy: In Conversation with Zoe Thompson
Zoë Thompson has joined the waiting room pops up on the top of my screen and I sharply intake a breath of air. Here it goes. I tentatively press the bright blue ‘accept’ button, my eyes shifting quickly to my screen to make sure I look presentable enough (I quickly brush some fly-aways down as Zoë’s screen and audio connect).
When Zoë pops up on my screen, she has a wide smile tracing her lips and, quite literally, the sun in her eyes. Immediately, I feel like I understand where the sweet-thang’s joy comes from. Wearing a gorgeous green halter top and glimmering gold hoops, Zoë waves and gives me a warm greeting.
Zoë Thompson is the editor-in-chief of sweet-thang zine, a zine dedicated to celebrating work by Black artists of marginalized gender, which focuses on healing, safety, and joy. Founded four years ago, sweet-thang continues to shape and change the zine game, with its foundation grounded in ideas of tangibility, collaboration, and love. There’s no one who represents the DIY culture and history of zines better than Zoë and her work at sweet-thang, and this past summer, I was so incredibly lucky to sit down on Zoom with her to have a proper conversation about it all.
FATIMA ALJARMAN: So [my first question is], how are you doing?
ZOË THOMPSON: [Chuckles] To be honest, today I’m feeling really good. I’ve just graduated so I’m feeling free. I’m currently doing an internship but it’s just for six weeks so it’s not like I’ve officially settled down into a job or anything, so I still feel quite free. I’m just taking it day by day. When I handed in all of my assessments for uni, I was a bit anxious, thinking, “I don’t know what I’m doing with my life!” But now I’m a lot more relaxed. And I’m more excited than stressed now. So, that’s good.
I’m glad! I wanted to say that it’s really lovely speaking with you, but this is actually not the first time we’re speaking because I’ve DMed you before. Our first interaction was me replying to one of your stories about a post that you shared from your blog delicate musings, where you were reflecting on the ‘Panasonic’ and it messing up our lives. But you also shared your manifestation journal, which just gave me this energy that I did not know that I needed or was looking for.
Wait, that’s so cool! I was literally just thinking about blogging today. I’m so glad you read it. I never think people actually read my blog because it’s kind of like an online diary.
I think because it’s so disconnected from social media, it can feel like nobody’s reading, but just know that somewhere in there, I was stalking [laughs] because I just thought [they were] just really graceful and very, very honest reflections and I thought that that was so wonderful.
But I was just going to talk to you about your manifestation journal. You were sharing some of your manifestations in that blog post, so I was going to ask you: what have you been manifesting lately? Where have you been channeling your spiritual energy?
Oh, I love that question. I actually wrote in my manifestation journal today. I think the last time I wrote in it was on the day that I got my uni results, and I was just being dramatic and reflect-y. But anyway, recently most of my manifestations have been about surrendering to things that I have no control over and repeating the mantra, “I have everything I need.”
I recently went on a ‘30-days-of-wholesomeness’ journey and it was basically 30 days of yoga and shadow-work journaling. I’d been putting a lot of attention on dating and stuff, and it wasn’t making me feel good internally, so I wanted thirty days to release myself from that. I decided not to scroll through any dating apps or stalk people on the gram [laughs] and it was nice. So it was a 30-day challenge, and I was documenting my thoughts in my journal as I went along.
Today, I wrote the sentence: “I’m here, I’m healthy, I’m alive.” I wrote this because some negative feelings about body image came up and I was like, “No, Zoë. We’re not doing this today. I’m going to love my stomach, I’m going to stop hating myself. I love me.” and that’s where I’m at today!
So that’s one thing that’s a little bit of a backstory between you and me, because I like to think that we have a backstory. There’s actually something else that we have in common, which is our love for zines. So sweet-thang is a collective zine, but you also have a smaller Instagram account where you share scans of zines.
We can talk a little more about that, but I wanted to ask you about your first interaction with zines, because they’re fairly recent to me.
When I started my blog in 2014, I was finding lots of other teens who were blogging, but I think it was two women in Canada who started a magazine called Plasma Dolphin that inspired me to make my own zine. When I discovered them, I was like, “Oh, my God, zines!” They were inspired by Rookie Mag, so I learned about Rookie through them. Then I found the whole aesthetic of, DIY, zines, hand-made collages, expressive youth culture Discovering that, I realized that I wanted to be part of it and make my own. It seemed so easy to do, all I had to do was gather people who made art and put something together.
I feel like it’s really easy to find other people and spaces through zines. It’s kind of like a chain reaction.
Is there something in particular about [zines] that spoke to you or resonated with you?
Yeah, I loved the aesthetic. And also when I discovered the 90s RIOT GRRRL culture and the do-it-yourself aspect of independent publishing, I just fell in love. I loved that zines are messy, underground, and away from the mainstream. Even dating back decades when they were just distributed through zine fairs, concerts, and word of mouth, I really liked the tangible community feel. Zines weren’t trying to be anything glossy or perfect; they were just these little things that you made because you wanted to talk about something you loved and network with other people. I just thought that was super cool.
I’m going to talk a little bit more about the things we have in common—once again, I like pretending that we have a backstory. When it popped up on my Instagram feed, I read your Editor’s Letter in celebration of sweet-thang’s fourth birthday. Firstly, what a beautiful milestone to celebrate, but I read that you uploaded issue one of sweet-thang on Big Cartel while you were doing your A-Levels, which I thought was really funny because I started Unootha when I was doing my A-Levels. Was there something in particular in that period of your life that compelled you to start sweet-thang?
I always talk about this with my twin sister: 2017 was immaculate from start to finish. There was something about 2017, something in the air. I don’t know if it was because I was coming towards the end of my A-Levels, finally finishing up with school. I just felt like I was opening up, I really feel like that was the year I found my creative voice. 2017 was just immaculate, immaculate vibes.
I was doing a lot: I was part of a local theatre group; we performed a show from February to April. I just remember having so much fun and doing so many creative stuff. There was creative energy in the air. Publications like gal-dem were starting to blow up some more by then. In the art community, there was a lot going on, especially for People of Color. So I just knew it was the right time to start sweet-thang. I just feel free.
And was this [starting sweet-thang] something you’ve always wanted to do? Was there a version of you in the past who really wanted to start a publication but was waiting for the right moment?
Oh, yes, definitely. I’ve always loved writing—that’s how I got into blogging—I’ve always loved reading magazines and books, too. So it was really natural and organic, it came from a truthful, innocent place. I feel like I was meant to be writing and making zines.
Something I really love about sweet-thang is its focus on joy and healing. In talking about that, I wanted to ask what joy means to you? How do you cultivate that feeling at sweet-thang? Because it can be really hard to evoke a feeling from a magazine.
I feel like joy for me is just existing and doing things authentically. Just having fun. Not caring about what people think. Doing things with as much truth as possible. That’s what joy is for me. I guess with sweet-thang, I’ve always tried my best to stay true with it and not give in to comparison. There are loads of zines, mags, and art collectives, and sometimes it’s easy to compare sweet-thang to them. “Oh, they’ve collaborated with this brand, oh, they have funding, and now they’re doing this.”—these thoughts definitely come up a lot, and I feel like when I want to go back to the roots of sweet-thang’s truth, it’s always joyful authenticity. This is a creation, and it’s fun and collaborative and that’s what’s important.
Speaking of joy, what have been some of your most joyous memories with sweet-thang?
In 2017, when our first issue came out, going to Grrrl Zine Fair’s Village Green Festival takeover was the best highlight at the time. It was sweet-thang’s first zine fair, so it was the first time I was physically around loads of other zine-makers all in one space. Lu, from Grrrl Zine Fair, is my zine sibling, I love them so much. The energy at the fair was amazing. I really love Grrrl Zine Fair, because they stay true to the very DIY essence of zines.
Going to the first Black Girl Festival in 2017 was very cool. Ugh, 2017—need I say more.
I need me a 2017 in my life.
Honestly. In 2019, we held a Valentine’s day zine-making party in my uni which was really fun. Issue six was also a really great issue, it was the most commercially successful issue. Those are my highlights [giggles].
I was mega-stalking sweet-thang before this interview, and one of my favorite pieces up on the blog is Funmi Lijadu’s Manifesto for Enjoyment in 2021.
You know what, I’ll say it here first, but I really want to do that for 2022. I’m thinking January 2022 is just a month of takeovers, talks, and content based on the idea of a Manifesto for Enjoyment in 2022. I want to do that.
But 2022 is not just for like… six more months, five more months, so I was going to ask you what your manifesto for enjoyment in 2021 was? You know, even though the world is still in ruins (we’re not going to talk about that… we’re going to pretend that there’s still room for joy)—
You know how people come up with new ways to say ‘Pandemic’, like they call it the “pan-Demi Lovato”, I love that. [Laughs]
I’ve never heard that one [laughs]. My favorite has and always will be the pan-tyhose.
Oh my god, I haven’t heard of that one! The pantyhose, no! There are so many good ones: the Panasonic, the pannacotta…
I will be saying the pan-Demi Lovato. [Laughs]
Wait, what was your question? [Laughs] My manifesto.
That was a worthwhile tangent, I must say. What’s on your personal manifesto for this year? For joy?
My manifesto is to have fun. I just want to have fun for the rest of the year. Another word that comes to mind is collaboration. I think it’s really easy to get on that comparison mindset when I’m on Instagram scrolling and looking at everyone’s achievements. Something I’ve realized is stuff like this, talking to people, collaborating, that’s what fuels my sense of joy. And in my creative practice, I just want to collaborate. I want to do stuff with other people. That’s what makes me happiest, that’s what makes me feel a bit more fulfilled.
That’s a beautiful manifesto. And I think it’s going to happen. I think it’s already happening. I was also going to congratulate you on graduating from university. I know things are probably changing now and I wanted to ask, how do you think sweet-thang will change now that you’re moving into new chapters in your life?
I think it’s going to grow if anything. Doing sweet-thang alongside uni has meant that a lot of things have had to be put in the backseat. Now that I'm not in uni, I’ll be able to put a lot more attention into it. I can only see sweet-thang growing. I want to get funding; I want to give a bit more agency to sweet-thang and figure out a way to make it more of a sustainable craft, especially if I’m planning on selling stuff and trying to make an income.
I think that’s definitely an uphill battle for a lot of people who are trying to run their zines or alternative publications. I’m manifesting your sweet-thang funding, it’s going into my manifestation journal tonight.
So, I wanted to ask you, what’s been keeping you inspired lately? What have you been listening to? What have you been watching? What have you been reading?
I haven’t been reading that much, not going to lie. This is not that related to zines that much, but I’ve been watching a lot of YouTube videos and I found this YouTuber called Nathanial Drew. I just clicked on one of his videos because he speaks loads of languages which I find interesting, and he did one about his journey with learning French. Obviously, I’m kind of intermediate/advanced with French so it was useful—I don’t know why I said obviously [laughs]—
Obviously! I’m fully like, yes, obviously.
No, no, I always forget to mention that I studied English with French at uni, so people are surprised when I say I can speak the language [Laughs]
I did loads of research so I already know that [giggles]...
[Laughs] Oh, okay. Basically I watched his video, and it’s been inspiring me to think internationally. I recently came across the phrase “digital nomad”. Apparently, there’s going to be a boom of digital nomads and just loads of young people working in different areas around the world, and not being tied to a specific place. That’s kind of inspiring actually, just thinking of what I can do with my skill set and how I don’t have to stay here, in the UK. I really like that idea. And that does inform how I think about sweet-thang as well, because it inspires me to think about how I can use my creativity in a new way. I’m also learning Portuguese on Duolingo, because why not?
Okay, miss digital nomad. Have you been listening to anything lately? Is there an album that recently came out that you can’t stop listening to?
There’s a new show on Netflix called Jiva!. I think “Jiva” means dance in a South African language/dialect. It has a full storyline and stuff, but they did put a lot of effort into showcasing the dances, and you can tell that the actors are professional dancers. South Africa is known for having such a sick dance scene, that’s why I started watching it. It was just so cool and I really loved it. The soundtrack is awesome too—loads of South African bangers from genres like Amapiano, and just lit tunes; stuff I’d want to hear at a party or something. I’ve been listening to the playlist that I got from that show. There’s a song called My Queens by TDK Macassette; the only reason I like the song is because the scene that it came on in Jiva! was super cool. It’s now my confidence-boosting song. I listen to it when I’m leaving the house and stuff. South African shows on Netflix are really good, like, okay South Africa! Go off!
I always recycle old tunes as well. I listen to a lot of Amy Winehouse and The Internet.
So, we’re kind of getting towards the end of our question list; we know that Zoë Thompson is a writer, a blogger, a zine-maker, and a visionary. What’s something about you that maybe people don’t know?
Hmm, I’m going to have to think about that. I don’t know, you know? Maybe I haven’t talked about how much I love languages. I really want to get more languages under my belt. I’m secretly planning to become a polyglot. If I think of something more interesting, I’ll let you know! [Giggles]
No, that’s a great answer! I like that you said that you didn’t know, I don’t know either.
We’ve reached our final question. I wanted to ask: what’s something that you’re looking forward to? It could be just today, or in the coming week, or in general?
I’m looking forward to quite a few things! I am, hopefully, going to a really fancy lunch with some of my work colleagues next week. I know that sounds so “working woman” but like, when they messaged me saying “Oh, yeah, we’re planning a lunch at The Ivy”, my whole day was made. So, I’m looking forward to that next week. On the 1st of August, my uni is allowing graduates to hire their own cap and gown and get professional graduation photos taken—a bunch of my family is coming up from London and we’re going to take photos on campus and have a celebration dinner after. I’m really excited for that. Because of the whole pantyhose, I feel like I haven’t gotten to really celebrate getting my degree, and there hasn’t been a lot of consistent, quality family time, so it’ll be nice to just see everyone and have a good time. Also, I’m going to a festival the week after—Brainchild Fest! I’m really excited. ◆
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Since our conversation in the summer, sweet-thang has announced and released “The Manifesto for Enjoyment” project; spanning a month, the project works to set the tone for a year defined by joy and freedom. You can learn more about sweet-thang’s latest and upcoming projects and work through their Instagram, Twitter, and website. You can also support sweet-thang by purchasing an A4 print of Funmi Lijadu’s collage print of their manifesto here.
sweet-thang’s inbox is always open for pitches for their online blog! You can learn more about their submission guidelines here.
Fatima AlJarman floats between Ajman, New York City, and her secret inner realm. Often, she is thinking about her next cup of coffee or the sea. Fatima is Unootha’s editor-in-chief and an undergraduate student at Columbia University.