Collection is open for research; access requires at least 48 hours advance notice. Because of the nature of certain archival formats, including digital and audio-visual materials, access will require additional advanced notice. Unless noted, digital media are not available online. Copies of unrestricted digital files will be provided for use in the SCRC Reading Room upon request. Access will be provided to use copies of unrestricted digital files rather than carrier media, such as CDs, DVDs, and floppy disks. Some or all electronic files may be unavailable or restricted due to privacy reasons, agreement with the donor, software is not available to interact with files, or because files cannot be retrieved from original media.
Researchers should be advised that SCRC staff has identified materials in this collection that include cartoon depictions of violence, including sexual violence, and sexual imagery.
This collection contains the first three issues of Hothead Paisan: Homicidal Lesbian Terrorist, an alternative satirical comic series by Diane DiMassa, a lesbian artist and writer.
Hothead Paisan: Homicidal Lesbian Terrorist is a series of comic zines created by lesbian writer and artist Diane DiMassa, also known as Mommy St. Wee-Wee, and published by DiMassa and Stacy A. Sheehan as Giant Ass Publishing in New Haven, Connecticut. The series follows Hothead Paisan, a lesbian who enacts ultraviolent revenge fantasies against chauvinistic men and cat-callers. The comic deals with the theme of cathartic rage against the patriarchy, homophobia, the sexualization of women, and conservative gender roles through exaggerated scenes of hyperviolence. At the same time, it reflects on lesbian radical feminism and issues of oppression. The series ran for 21 issues and was published through a quarterly subscription. It was popular in the 1990s lesbian alternative comics scene, as can be seen in the fan letters included in issues #2 and #3.
This collection contains the first editions of the first three issues of Diane DiMassa's comic zine series Hothead Paisan, Homocidal Lesbian Terrorist. Each issue is about 12 pages long and fully illustrated by the author.
The NC State University Libraries generally claims only physical ownership of most Special Collections materials. These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. Libraries staff are unable to advise on copyright and other legal matters; the user assumes full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Helpful resources for assessing copyright include Cornell Libraries' "Copyright Services: Copyright Term and the Public Domain" and copyright.gov. This collection may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information about identifiable living individuals, which may be protected under federal or state laws and regulations. Researchers are advised that there may be legal ramifications for disclosing this information.
The University Archives operates in accordance with the State Public Records Act, with unrestricted access to records not covered by state and federal statutes and regulations.
[Identification of item], Hothead Paisan: Homocidal Lesbian Terrorist Zine, MSS 00478, Special Collections Research Center, North Carolina State University Libraries, Raleigh, NC
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Processed and finding aid written by Katie Bushman, 2025 March.
Collection is open for research; access requires at least 48 hours advance notice. Because of the nature of certain archival formats, including digital and audio-visual materials, access will require additional advanced notice. Unless noted, digital media are not available online. Copies of unrestricted digital files will be provided for use in the SCRC Reading Room upon request. Access will be provided to use copies of unrestricted digital files rather than carrier media, such as CDs, DVDs, and floppy disks. Some or all electronic files may be unavailable or restricted due to privacy reasons, agreement with the donor, software is not available to interact with files, or because files cannot be retrieved from original media.
Researchers should be advised that SCRC staff has identified materials in this collection that include cartoon depictions of violence, including sexual violence, and sexual imagery.
For more information contact us via mail, phone, or our web form.
Mailing address:
Special Collections Research Center
Box 7111
Raleigh, NC, 27695-7111
Phone: (919) 515-2273
[Identification of item], Hothead Paisan: Homocidal Lesbian Terrorist Zine, MSS 00478, Special Collections Research Center, North Carolina State University Libraries, Raleigh, NC
The NC State University Libraries generally claims only physical ownership of most Special Collections materials. These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. Libraries staff are unable to advise on copyright and other legal matters; the user assumes full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Helpful resources for assessing copyright include Cornell Libraries' "Copyright Services: Copyright Term and the Public Domain" and copyright.gov. This collection may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information about identifiable living individuals, which may be protected under federal or state laws and regulations. Researchers are advised that there may be legal ramifications for disclosing this information.
The University Archives operates in accordance with the State Public Records Act, with unrestricted access to records not covered by state and federal statutes and regulations.