Longform Podcast #581: Tavi Gevinson

Tavi Gevinson, a writer, actor, and founder of the influential online magazine Rookie, discussed her latest project, the zine Fan Fiction, in a recent episode of the Longform Podcast. The episode, released in May 2024, explores Gevinson’s evolving perspectives on storytelling, memory, and identity.

Gevinson, who launched Rookie at age 15, has long been a prominent voice in youth culture, blending personal narrative with broader social commentary. In the podcast, she reflects on the transient nature of identity and the stories people tell about themselves. “Stories are unstable, and memory is unstable, and identity is unstable,” she said. “All of these things that I've tried to make permanent in writing, they're actually unstable. So even though it's tempting to go, 'Oh, that was fake,' it's more like, 'No, it was just temporary.'”

The conversation also touches on the creative process behind Fan Fiction, a zine that compiles personal essays, fiction, and visual art centered on the theme of fan culture. Gevinson describes the project as an exploration of how fandom intersects with self-expression and artistic creation. Unlike her earlier work with Rookie, which focused on adolescence and young adulthood, Fan Fiction leans into more abstract and experimental forms of storytelling.

Throughout the podcast, Gevinson emphasizes the fluidity of personal narratives, suggesting that identity is not fixed but shaped by ongoing experiences and reinterpretations. She also discusses her transition into acting, including her role in the 2023 film *Theater Camp*, and how her creative pursuits often inform one another.

The Longform Podcast episode with Gevinson is available for download, though the embedded audio player may not be supported on all browsers. The discussion offers listeners insight into the mind of a creator known for her candid and introspective approach to art and life.

Gevinson’s work continues to resonate with audiences for its authenticity and willingness to challenge conventional narratives about youth, creativity, and self-discovery.