Teen Vogue Transitions to Online Platform

Teen Vogue, which began in 2003 as Condé Nast’s fashion-focused print magazine for teenage girls, has officially ended its print run. After a quarterly publication stint that lasted until 2017, it has transitioned to operate primarily online, though it still retains its name.

There has been a lot of reaction recently regarding the publication’s shift in direction, and some observers feel that even though the brand will continue to exist, its essence is fading away.

Editor-in-chief Versha Sharma is departing as Teen Vogue integrates with Vogue.com. Although there’s an assertion that the Teen Vogue name will upkeep a unique editorial identity, the content will now lean more towards career guidance and cultural discussions important to young audiences.

Meanwhile, the union representing the publicists at Teen Vogue has criticized this change, highlighting concerns that the restructuring disproportionately affects marginalized staff, particularly BIPOC women and transgender employees.

Rex McMenamin, a news and politics editor at the publication since 2021, confirmed her dismissal along with a number of others, stating, “To my knowledge, there won’t be any political staff remaining at Teen Vogue after today.”

The Condé United union suggested that this move seems aimed at minimizing the impactful journalism that Teen Vogue has provided, especially in our current climate.

Some notable figures have chimed in, with activists arguing that the quality of political coverage under Sharma’s leadership had real journalistic merit. For instance, Alejandra Caraballo remarked that Teen Vogue’s editorial voice was essential in challenging political narratives.

Others, like Montana State Rep. Zooey Zephyr, called the loss of the political team a tragedy in a media landscape already suffering from limited perspectives.

In recent times, Teen Vogue has produced various articles that blend personal advice with broader societal discussions, albeit the topics have raised eyebrows.

• “How to finger someone (including yourself), according to a sex expert”
• “Anal sex: safety, how-tos, tips, and more”
• “Polyamory Workbook: How I discovered non-monogamy”
• “Six intersex people tell us why banning gender-affirming care is bad for everyone”
• “19 Best Anal Lubricants for Smooth and Painless Penetration”

The magazine has not limited its focus to sexual education, venturing into political discussions as well. Articles have included perspectives on contentious topics like Columbus Day and discussions surrounding gender-affirming care.

Critics note a distinct divergence in how political ideologies are portrayed, pointing out a favorable inclination towards left-leaning perspectives. Teen Vogue has voiced strong critiques of conservative values while elevating left-wing narratives.

Reflecting on the transformation, Chloe Malle, head of editorial content at Vogue, expressed nostalgia for Teen Vogue’s original mission, affirming her commitment to its continued legacy.