gal-dem is a new media publication, committed to telling the stories of people of colour from marginalised genders. 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.
Cape Malay: a South African Muslim identity borne out of colonialism
Surviving slavery, colonialism and apartheid, this mixed-heritage Islamic community established a unique culture in South Africa.
Women, Islam
Why feminist solidarity with Afghanistan is about more than women and girls
Afghan women and girls are undoubtedly imperilled by the Taliban takeover. But hyperfocus on their vulnerability risks repeating mistakes of the past.
Women, Islam
How you can take action and stand in solidarity with Afghan people
We’ve pulled together a list of steps you can take to support Afghan people on the ground and refugees arriving in the UK.
UK universities are adopting controversial IHRA antisemitism guidelines – but it’s putting Palestinian solidarity activism at risk
The UK government has threatened sanctions for universities that don’t adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism, placing students and academics fighting for Palestinian freedom under attack.
New podcast PRESSED brings three of our faves together for unfiltered, unapologetic gossip
Nella Rose, Mariam Musa and Adeola Patronne sit down with gal-dem to talk about their latest collaboration
Women, Pan African
UNESCO’s new World Heritage Site in Madrid was once a racist human zoo
Behind the beautiful facade of Retiro Park's Palacio de Cristal lies the dark history of the human zoo it once housed.
Pan Asian, Latino
Navigating vaginismus when sex before marriage is taboo in your culture
Content warning: sexual trauma
A British Pakistani woman opens up about her journey.
Women
#StopCambo: Unsure of where to begin with climate action? Start by fighting this UK oil field development
Experts have said we must immediately stop oil or gas extraction to save the planet. So why are Tories developing a giant oil field in Scotland?
Environment
Covid-19 passports might sound like they’ll keep us safe, but for queer people of colour the opposite is true
Queer clubs should be safe spaces but Covid-19 passports will only harm us in the long run.
LGBTQ
‘There’s this assumption that once you have a child your career is over’: motherhood and the music industry
There might be greater visibility for pregnant people in music, but with touring, finances and lack of support and infrastructure, many of those working in the sector still express that childcare can feel impossible to navigate.
Women
Feast your eyes on Aleema Gray: a history curator championing Blackness through food
Aleema Gray talks about her debut display on food and community 'Feeding Black' and her research into the political history of the Rastafarian movement.
Pan African
Remembering the ‘First Lady of Detroit’: the legacy of dance pioneer K-HAND
As a Black woman innovating in Detroit techno, producer and DJ Kelli Hand shifted the goalposts for those who came next. Following her recent death, we remember a game-changing talent.
Women, Pan African
Five on it: Lizzo returns with a quickfire, candid, Cardi B-featuring classic
Lizzo is finally back, and her return is all defiant confidence and whip smart quips. Plus new music from Nao, spill tab and more.
Women
#NoMoreLyes: the campaign that wants to put an end to toxic hair products marketed towards Black women
In light of studies showing the link between long-term lye use in hair products and breast cancer in Black women, Level Up wants big beauty brands to take these harmful items off shelves.
Women, Pan African
Why I’m divesting from the big fat desi wedding
Now that it's my turn to get married, I realise I have important choices to make.
Women, Pan Asian
After Noor Mukadam’s brutal murder, Pakistani women are demanding action on gendered violence. Will it be enough?
The killing of a politician's daughter has refocused a spotlight on gender based violence in Pakistan. Is change finally on the horizon?
Women, Pan Asian