This week’s #TOBcommunity spotlight is on Suyin Haynes (She/Her), the new Editor-in-Chief of gal-dem (and former journalist at TIME magazine in London and New York). With all of her work, Suyin is committed to telling stories, changing narratives and diversifying the British media landscape.

What organisation(s) do you run or work for?

Editor-in-Chief at gal-dem

How do you / your organisation support and celebrate marginalised people? 

I'm the new Editor-in-Chief at gal-dem, an award-winning media company committed to telling stories of people of colour from marginalised genders. Working with them was my first experience in journalism in 2015, and I'm delighted to be returning after five years working as a journalist for TIME magazine in London and Hong Kong. At gal-dem, we shift the debate and push conversations forward with our journalism, publishing stories and creative projects from our community online and in our annual print magazine. I'm so incredibly proud of the work gal-dem has done to change narratives and diversify the British media landscape, and I'm so excited to continue that mission together.

What can we expect from you in the coming months?

Our fifth edition, based on the theme of 'The Roaring Twenties,' is publishing next month and we can't wait to share it with you! We all know it's been a pretty wild and tumultuous 18 months since the pandemic started, and we wanted to use this moment to both reflect and look ahead, asking ourselves what we want to see from the next decade. Our team of brilliant editors all have really great projects coming to fruition soon, including series and investigations, and we have some great commercial partnerships launching this summer. There are plenty more exciting things coming up so keep an eye out on our socials for more!

What’s your secret superpower?

Being a sensitive person. The word "sensitive" is often used in ways and contexts I don't necessarily agree with — to me, it's a strength, not a weakness. I've experienced difficult life challenges that have made me who I am, and understanding how sensitivity can be a strength has helped me feel empowered, not embarrassed, to feel things deeply.

Favourite quote that sums up your philosophy on life: 

“If we dwell on what might have been, we may lose sight of what could be.”

Describe yourself in 3 words: 

curious, empathetic, smiley

Where can people find you?

Instagram: @suyinsays | @galdemzine
Twitter: @suyinsays | @galdemzine
LinkedIn: Suyin Haynes

The Other Box community, aka #TOBcommunity, is an intersectionally inclusive global community, where the voices and experiences of the most marginalised in society are prioritised. It’s a place where our members share opportunities, events, resources, and seek advice and support. Join us at www.facebook.com/groups/theotherbox