In late January, the Range begged you to read a new online Tucson zine that describes itself as "an online zine by radical women and queer people of color." At that point it had close to 16,000 views at only 40 days old.

Well, as of today the zine has almost 27,000 views and MalintZINE is gaining attention nationally in academic and movement circles. A group representing the zine was invited to participate in "Chicana Activism: Fierce Mujeres on the Front Lines," a conference sponsored by the UCLA MECha and the Cesar Chavez Department of Chicana and Chicano Studies.

Tonight, the zine officially celebrates its launch after it hosts a special dialogue with Andrea Smith, who is in Tucson this weekend as part of the UA LGBT Institute lecture series. Yesterday, Smith spoke in the after and in the evening. Tonight, at 6 p.m., MalintZINE hosts her at the John Valenzuela Youth Center, 1550 S. Sixth Ave. in South Tucson.

Previously, we were told the evening program, from 6 to 8 p.m. was another lecture. However, organizers told the Range that Smith will facilitate a "community consciousness raising dialogue," to work on accountability on issues facing the community. Because of Smith's work, especially as co-founder of INCITE! Women of Color Against Violence, organizers hope she can share feedback with everyone who attends, especially on next steps to take. But

In January, the Range said this about the blog:

If you're new to the blog, start from the bottom up to understand why it started — in reaction to an effort by some members of TUSD's Mexican-American Studies movement discouraging discussion on domestic violence and the arrest of a former MAS leader.

MalintZINE aims to highlight sexual and gender violence issues front and center, rather than force women and others to be silent. Social movements don't grow and evolve unless they are called out on their bullshit and that's part of what this blog is doing. But it also features posts on Chicana feminism, gender identity, and poetry that reacts to what is taking place in Tucson right now.

That hasn't changed. MalintZINE is still bringing up these issues and more. After tonight's dialogue, the launch party kicks off at 9 p.m. at Fluxx Studio and Gallery, 414 E. 9th St. A $3-$5 donation is asked, but not required. Doubtful there will be any dart boards, but there could be some great surprises.

If you still want to hear more about what MalintZINE is all about and read a print version out this weekend, head to the Tucson Festival of Books' Nuestras Raices tent tomorrow on the UA mall on Sunday, March 10 at 10 a.m.

And more? Well, just click over to MalintZINE right here.