NON MONOGAMY 101: A PRIMER FOR QUESTIONING COMPULSORY MONOGAMY #1: $5, 3 ¾” x 6”, copied, 38 pgs.

Jul 22, 2016

This zine is smart, well researched, and engaging. The author presents many examples throughout history where different cultures flourished with non-monogamous relationships. Alongside the historical data, there are several interviews from people from all sorts of backgrounds: cis, trans, gay, lesbian, many races, and from all over the world. Each quote from these people is presented in a word bubble with a caricature of the (assumed) person it’s attributed to. Adelaide Barton runs the gamut on counterarguments to those opposed to non-monogamy, and also stresses the importance of communication and comfort. In no way is she advocating a lifestyle for those who are not prepared or interested in it, but she is offering guidance for those who may be considering it, or those who had not even thought about it at all. Each part of her research is backed up with a “works cited” page at the end and footnote references, making this zine more of an illustrated essay. I really enjoyed that there’s a glossary at the back of the zine just in case something didn’t make sense. There’s absolutely no judgment passed or any sense of disdain for choices that one makes in their romantic life. It merely acts as an explanation, a walkthrough of alternative relationship arrangements. Also included are lists of celebrities (including sex/advice columnist Dan Savage) who engage in various forms of non-monogamy, complete with quotes about their set up. This is a great zine to remove some wool from the eyes of the monogamous couples (not that there’s anything wrong with them). –Kayla Greet (Adelaide Barton, 290 2nd St., Troy, NY 12180, [email protected])

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