Support Independent Writers!
As of November 3rd, Teen Vogue has announced it will officially merge with its sister publication, Vogue. This prompted a layoff for 70% of the company.
This came as a devastating loss for many of its editors, “most of whom are BIPOC or trans,” according to a joint statement from “Condé United and parent union The NewsGuild of New York” (Kilkenny).
The Hollywood Reporter states that this raises “concerns about impacts on staff diversity and political coverage” (Kilkenny).
Teen Vogue has been known for covering a wide range of topics, inspiring younger generations to stay informed about everything from politics to pop culture, fashion, and identity. It is sad to see such a successful publication potentially minimized, especially now when it’s most needed.
I do not doubt that these writers will find work elsewhere; they’re too talented not to.
As an independent writer and aspiring fashion journalist, I can’t help but notice the growing lack of opportunity in spaces like this. With writing already a competitive career and fewer and fewer paths ahead, the road towards becoming a successful journalist feels, at this point, obstructed.
Which is why we need to support independent writers.
There has been a rise in social media journalists (with qualifications) choosing to use their own platforms rather than conform to news broadcasts. For example, after being let go from their previous roles as television hosts, political commentators, Don Lemon and Joy Reid have since found their voices, serving as independent journalists.
As a writer trying to get their foot in the door, can this be the detour I need to take to gain traction as a blogger?
The route of a creative is never linear, which makes it all the more difficult to know if you’re on the right track. However, one of the positives that has come of the internet is the power we can wield with a single click… if used for good, of course. We now have a chance to share our thoughts and bring about community, and that could look different for each person pursuing the arts.
I created this blog because I’m passionate about storytelling. I’m hopeful that my words are resonating with someone and that I can carve my own approach towards a career as a writer.
Here is a list of the writers who were laid off at Teen Vogue, along with links to their social media accounts. Let’s continue to support their work!
Versha Sharma (Former Editor-In-Chief):
https://www.instagram.com/versharma/?hl=en
Aiyana Ishmael:
https://www.instagram.com/aiyanaish/?hl=en
Bea Oyster:
https://www.instagram.com/snapsbybea/?hl=en
Brittney McNamara:
https://www.instagram.com/bmac0192/?hl=en
Emily Zirimis:
https://www.instagram.com/emilyzirimis/
Kaitlyn McNab:
https://www.instagram.com/kaitmcnab/?hl=en
Lex McMenamin:
https://www.instagram.com/leximcmenamin/?hl=en
Skyli Alvarez:
https://www.instagram.com/s.ky1i/?hl=en
Teen Vogue:
Sources
Kilkenny, Katie. “As Condé Nast Folds Teen Vogue into Vogue’s Website, NewsGuild Condemns the Plan.” The Hollywood Reporter, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Nov. 2025, www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/conde-nast-teen-vogue-newsguild-1236417079/.
