I’ve been lucky in that I’ve always had a strong sense of identity. I’d long known I wanted to be a journalist, for example, and I’ve always prided myself on being a loyal friend. But my strongest conception of who I am has always relied on where I come from. My mom’s family were Japanese Kona coffee farmers, and my dad’s parents both became doctors despite the odds – my grandpa grew up Creole in the Jim Crow South, and my grandma emigrated from Japan in the 1950s.
Growing up in a mostly white neighborhood, I didn’t talk a lot about my family’s story, but I always felt those legacies deeply in my bones. It made me aware that there are countless stories like mine, waiting to be told. I did eventually become a journalist and stayed a loyal friend. And these days, I’m extremely proud to be telling these stories at PS.
At PS, we know that there is inherent value in each of our stories, and we aim to elevate diverse perspectives and highlight voices that have been historically underrepresented in the media. Amid an onslaught of news, we also want to create resting places for joy – where we can come together by celebrating the differences that make us who we are.
You will find this ethos woven into every story on the site, but we’re also making it easier for readers to cultivate community via our PS Identity hubs. You might be familiar with Juntos, which initially launched as POPSUGAR Latina nearly a decade ago and has been bringing the Latine community together ever since. But we’re also excited to introduce you to Crowned, which amplifies Black voices; Out Loud, which spotlights the LGBTQ+ community; and Where I’m From, which highlights APIA perspectives.
We acknowledge that many of our identities intersect and go beyond the bounds of categorization, which is why we are committed to this coverage, day in and out. These stories don’t just inform us about the world and each other; they help us better understand ourselves. We are so thrilled for you to explore alongside us.
All my best,
Lena Felton
Senior Content Director
