Folded into black and white pages, the Hattiesburg Alternative zine offers a platform for writers to have their voices heard.
Davy Goldsmith, 33, began working on the first edition of the Hattiesburg Alternative last January. By June, he had gathered submissions and interviews, producing 500 copies of the zine's debut edition. Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Goldsmith has been making zines since 2015. His latest project was inspired by his earlier work, Baton Rouge Alternative, which he began in his hometown.
“When something gets published and printed, no one can deny that it exists,” Goldsmith said. “The things that people wrote came from their hearts and their souls, and their truths are out there forever.”
Goldsmith views writing as an art form, and as submissions poured in, he noticed a shift in the content. Writers were offering raw, personal reflections on their lives, touching on experiences of marginalized groups, including mothers, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Goldsmith noted that this content aligned with the zine’s alternative focus, which challenges mainstream societal norms.
“The submissions I was getting were becoming very honest reflections of the people writing them,” he said.
Among the contributors was Aidan Aultman, who wrote a poem for the fall edition. Aultman expressed pride in working with the zine, which they said fit well with the type of content they produce.
“I was overjoyed to work with Hattiesburg Alternative,” Aultman said. “I feel my work really fits the zine’s content I really enjoy exposing ‘taboo’ emotions—feelings that most people push way down and refuse to look at. I believe that the reader can connect with the poem and get some sort of solace.”
The zine features a wide range of content, including poetry, music reviews, and interviews. Goldsmith hopes to provide a space for overlooked voices and to continue spreading the message that there is an alternative to the norms of society.
“No one’s stories should be dismissed,” Goldsmith said.
