Finding Voice, Creating Space: Center for Latin American Studies Backs Innovative Student Publication
A question echoed through Boston University’s halls: what counts as knowledge, and who gets to decide? For graduate students Soffía Blystra and Estef Calderón Villón from BU’s Spanish Literature Department, the answer led to the creation of Zine Lugar, a publication that challenges traditional academic boundaries while amplifying diverse voices.
The idea emerged one evening when the students ventured into BU’s computer science building, seeking a change from their usual workspace. “Everything about it—from its shiny walls to its state-of-the-art classrooms—seemed to whisper that we were not supposed to be there,” reflects Blystra, Editor-in-Chief of Zine Lugar. “Still, we found an empty conference room with a sliding door that made the space feel more private, and as we sat around the table, the conversation naturally turned toward a topic that had been on our minds: what counts as knowledge, and who gets to decide?”
The publication’s name carries deep meaning – “sin lugar” means “without a place” in Spanish, cleverly combined with “zine” to create a space for those who often feel between worlds. This dichotomy of belonging and non-belonging echoes the creators’ own experiences. “Am I too much of this, not enough of that? Does my voice even matter? Does my background allow me to be heard in spaces that often value some experiences over others?” Blystra shares. “One of my friends at the table reminded me that knowledge does not only come in traditional forms—it comes from stories, experiences, art, and creative expression.”
The inaugural issue’s striking cover art by Puerto Rican-American artist Beatriz Amelia Whitehill reflects this duality of belonging and non-belonging. “It was supposed to make you feel uncomfortable, but it was supposed to be also your house,” explains Calderón Villón. “That’s why there’s this romantic skyline or background, people laughing, nature, but at the same time, you can see pieces of meat or fire or people in a protest.”
When they initially approached their department with their vision, they were met with hesitation. However, they found an early champion in Elizabeth Amrien, Assistant Director of the Center for Latin American Studies at the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies. The Center provided both grant funding and space for their launch event. Through persistent networking, they secured additional partnerships and grant support across campus, including the Howard Thurman Center, BU Arts Initiative, and the Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Department.
The project especially found a home at the LGBTQIA+ Center on campus, where they work under Director Katie Collins. “We found a natural fit with the LGBTQIA Center, and we have been working there since before the semester began to get everything started,” says Blystra.
Unlike traditional academic journals, Zine Lugar embraces varied forms of expression. “We know that in academic spaces, we were expected to create a journal,” Calderón Villón emphasizes. “But you need to have a lot of privilege to actually write an academic essay. We believe that there are many ways to create knowledge, and art is one of them.”
The project has drawn submissions from across the Americas and Europe, creating unexpected connections. “I’ve never been to Peru, but I learned a lot just from listening to other people’s perspectives,” says Blystra. “I will never understand what they went through, but I think it was very kind for them to share that with the world and with us.”
With the Center for Latin American Studies’ support, they organized a launch event featuring a collaborative art workshop led by Worcester-based artist Vanessa Calisto, where participants created a collective statement about belonging and displacement.
“Out of that workshop, I think that we all learned and strengthened our connection,” Blystra shares. “I’m always trying to see where I fit in. And to see this and to do it with my colleagues and friends that I admire so much… just having this connection through painting and art also shows how art can really express what you really feel, and it all came beautifully together.”
The resulting mural, which weaves together volcanic landscapes and evening skies, will be displayed on the second floor of the George Sherman Union through the BU Arts Initiative. “There was anger, but there was also beauty in it,” describes Blystra. “There were volcanos spewing fire, and then, like beautiful blend of afternoon or evening sky… I think that’s very meaningful in what our mission is.”
To experience the mural and follow Zine Lugar’s evolution, visit https://zinelugar.wixsite.com/zine-lugar or follow their journey on Instagram @zinelugar. As Calderón Villón reflects: “We believe in this zine because we are the zine—we are the stories, the art, the knowledge that it holds. To anyone reading this who feels like they do not belong, like they are searching for their own sin lugar, we invite you to join us. Help us create a space where pertenencia—a sense of belonging—flourishes, and where the search for a home ends in something beautiful that we will build together.”