gal-dem is a new media publication, committed to telling the stories of women and non-binary people of colour. With our online and print magazine, we’re addressing inequality and misrepresentation in the industry through platforming the creative and editorial work of our community across essays, opinion, news, arts, music, politics and lifestyle content.

While gal-dem makes decisions on content based on relevance and quality, we also recognise the under-representation of people of colour in journalism and we therefore welcome and encourage contributions from people with a lived experience of what it means to be of that demographic. The current journalistic landscape is 94% white and 55% male and gal-dem is actively trying to redress this imbalance in media more broadly through both our editorial and commercial work.

In certain newsrooms across the country, the figures are even more skewed. Because of a combination of racism, sexism, transphobia, nepotism, class-related prejudice, education outcomes and cultural norms, women of colour and non-binary people of colour can struggle to break into the industry. If we do manage to find a place, we are less likely to progress to senior roles. Meanwhile, the mainstream media still regularly publishes racist and sexist content.

Because of this, we believe that taking control of the way we are portrayed in the media is essential – but our end goal is not simply representation: our journalism and creative work can shape debates, shift discussions, create new ways of thinking and contribute to social movements. We will empower and support the creative work of young women of colour and non-binary people of colour through disrupting tired stereotypes and showcasing their work and thoughts as a vital part of discussions in a whitewashed media environment.

For more information on how to pitch to us please see our FAQs.