A friend of mine just sent this email around. It sounds like a cool idea for all you crazy fucking punk rockers. We have to be nuts to listen to the music we do! Any way this guy is an old trusted friend and I can assure you this zine will come out! So if you got a story this is the time to tell it. He has been doing this zine for about 15 years!
“You’re Crazy” Fanzine contact-upheaval.fanzine@gmail.com
Dear Friends and Peers,
I am putting together a fanzine about punk rockers and mental illness/dual diagnosis. “You’re Crazy” is the title of this fanzine which features first hand, personal accounts of punk rockers living with mental illness/dual diagnosis. You’re Crazy fanzine’s goal is to destroy the stigma that we face in society (and the scene) by owning who we are, using our real names (or known nicknames) and coming out publicly, in solidarity with each other, about our struggles and experiences. Punk rockers are the misfits of society and those of us who struggle with mental illness and addictions often live isolated and alienated lives, misunderstood and alone. This must end and it ends now, with your contribution of your personal story of living with mental illness/dual diagnosis. I am asking you to share how you face the world on a daily basis, to talk about your struggles and successes and how you cope and hopefully share about your recovery from mental illness and addictions and/or your desire to get healthy and live life in the best way possible. We can support each other and we can build a network of solidarity and support and no longer do we have to stand in the corner or in the shadows. This is your opportunity to speak up and be heard. Please consider contributing to You’re Crazy fanzine.
• Regarding what specifically to write about: Write about your life experiences with mental illness and addictions, about the stigma and judgment you have faced, how your family has treated you, about your experiences with/within the punk scene dealing with mental illness and addictions, about your daily struggles and suffering, about your successes and accomplishments despite the challenges you face/have faced, about relationships/friendships, legal/police issues, poverty, housing, medication, tragedies, losses, pain, institutionalization ,rehab, positive treatment, effective help, about your dreams and desires and your recovery.
• This is an opportunity to tell your story.
• Not every story is going to be one of complete success or recovery however perhaps if we can build solidarity and increase our sense of empowerment; we can live happier and healthier lives.
• Please write up to 2000 words typed.
I kinda feel like digging up some motivation on this. At the least I really want to read this when it comes out.
I would be down for this except for the nonanonmity (if thats a word) and the brotherhood of it all. I don’t like the attention brought on our deficits and instead embrace the positive of what we do have. I don’t want to be looked at as someone with a disorder but someone who is eccentric which holds positive connotations. However as a human being don’t we all like to tell our story? I never got formally diagnosed but there are plenty of stories of insanity I would love to tell!
J – i dont understand the “brotherhood” that you mention. Is this zine geared heavily towards dudes? Or are you assuming that, based on experience within punk where indeed this is the unspoken (or spoken) norm? I’m curious…
J- I am not really sure what you are saying here. If you need clarification you can email me and I will be more than happy clarify any concerns or questions that you may have.
At this point in time, at least 50% of the contributions have been made by women.
I also suspect that you didn’t actually read the information carefully enough.
We have a saying in the recovery movement, “when you assume you make an ass out of you and me”.
-Craig
“using our real names (or known nicknames) and coming out publicly, in solidarity with each other, about our struggles and experiences.”
It was this this that I was kind of reacting too. When I say brotherhood I didnt mean males only. I didn’t really think about gender when I said it. It is just kind of a word that meant together and friendship blah blah. I guess with me personally I don’t want to be singled out or looked upon in a zine with my real name but I would rather have it anonymously but I still will write something about it in the zine. I wasn’t trying to single any gender out or anything. It was just a word that means together but I guess the word brother implies male togetherness. It to me is just one of those words.
I will still write my 2000 words upon this subject but I meant no offense to any gender, just that I like to keep in anonymousish but it isnt my zine but that would be my only complaint.
But I really like the idea and never got so excited to actually write something.
Kind of drunkish so hopefully it makes sense.
J – Your contribution is welcomed and desired. Please keep in touch and send it very soon. thank you and take care.
Craig
Hi. Just checking in one more time. I would love to have your contribution in ‘You’re Crazy’. Your experience is valid and important and will benefit others.I want to help guide and/or support your writing process in any way that I can. Please let me know what you think. I hope to hear from you soon. Thank you very much.
your friend,
Craig
Interested people please contact me for more information and to discuss any concerns or questions that you may have. There has been an overwhelming response and I would love to include your story. Please contact me for any reason. The deadline has been extended to February 29th, 2012. Thank you.
Craig
yourecrazyfanzine@gmail.com
Alright ill write it at work tomorrow, just because you have been so persistent