Makara (magazine)

Makara was a Canadian feminist literary magazine published from 1975 to 1978 in Vancouver, British Columbia. It was founded by a collective of women writers and artists, including Jan de Grass, Pat Hansen, and others, who sought to create a space for feminist voices and perspectives that were underrepresented in mainstream publications.

The magazine featured a range of creative and critical work, including poetry, short stories, essays, reviews, and visual art. Makara aimed to provide a platform for both established and emerging feminist artists and writers, reflecting diverse experiences and viewpoints.

Makara addressed a wide array of topics relevant to feminism in the 1970s, such as gender roles, sexuality, domestic labor, social justice, and political activism. It explored these issues through a combination of personal narratives, theoretical analyses, and artistic expressions.

The magazine's name, Makara, is derived from a Sanskrit word referring to a mythical sea creature, often depicted as a hybrid of various animals. The name was chosen to symbolize the multifaceted and evolving nature of feminism.

Although Makara had a relatively short publication run, it made a significant contribution to the development of feminist literature and art in Canada. It helped to foster a sense of community among feminist writers and artists and provided a valuable forum for the exchange of ideas and experiences. Back issues of Makara are now held in several archives and libraries and continue to be studied by scholars interested in feminist history and Canadian literature.