Who we are
Philozineia (pronounced “feel-oh-zeen-yah”), also known as Philo Zine or Phizine, is a Los Angeles-based youth organization and art collective dedicated to amplifying and authentically representing teens' diverse perspectives and passions in our communities. Philozineia aims to create intentional, supportive, and inclusive third places where creatives can interact, learn from one another, and collaborate to innovate works that are greater than the sum of their parts.
Our name, Philozineia, draws its inspiration from the Greek word 'philoxenia,' which combines 'philos' (meaning love) and 'xenos' (meaning stranger). 'Philoxenia' refers to the love of strangers or generous hospitality; one that is expressed beyond mere courtesy, involving a genuine desire to share culture and kindness with others. At Philozineia, being a "friend to a stranger" is a core value of our collective.
goals and values
Art has long been a facilitator of social change. Zines as we know them emerged from countercultural movements.
Historically, zines have challenged dominant narratives, amplifying voices often excluded from mainstream media. Covering topics like anti-racism, queer liberation, and environmentalism, their DIY nature encourages authenticity and unfiltered expression. Zines have always been a tool for radical community-building, offering marginalized creatives a space to share ideas, stories, and strategies. Even in our digital age, zines remain tangible artifacts of resistance, preserving movements and thoughts outside the constraints of algorithms or censorship.
Philozineia is dedicated to empowering youth by advocating for equitable access to art, education, resources, and essential humanitarian needs. In alignment with this mission, Philozineia publications/events not only act as platforms showcasing art created by and for youth but also serve as fundraisers for the communities around us and beyond. Organizations/charities are selected democratically each year by the Philozineia Team. Previous contributions include Mutual Aid Los Angeles Network, Sunrise Movement, and Plan International.