Sumou Turns 1!

Illustration by Lujane (@lujannee).

When I was in 4th grade, I would keep checking if my local supermarket supplied the newest Teen Vogue issue. I would only find a copy once a year. I found solace in reading content for people my age, even though most of the writers were grown adults. In high school, my love for magazines grew along with my love for writing. I was young (I’m still young), and the voice inside me was growing louder with every headline. It consumed me. It was too big for me to carry alone, but I didn’t think big publishers like Teen Vogue would make publishing accessible for everyone.

I started Sumou exactly a year ago, though it feels like only 3 months ago I created an Instagram account on my flight back home. I never intended for it to go huge, and that didn’t change a year later. But it never crossed my mind that it would grow a little community where writers and artists would give it their full devotion. A devotion so unconditional that it sparks inspiration to me as a creator as well. Sumou has now become a character on its own, and I feel that I have no right to decide what to do with it on my own.

This little virtual community has become home for both me and many (or a few) others. And in order for a platform to be safe, its members need to emit that behavior. So thank you for being raw and accepting and unapologetic.

I thought I had everything figured out when I turned 18. But change doesn’t stop, it never does. So does Sumou. Here’s to a new year of growth and self-discovery.

Sumou will continue to be a safe space for youth and our freedom of expression. Happy birthday, Sumou. Voice your thoughts. Keep creating.

Love, love, love,

Jood

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Jood is the founder of this site. Find her on her Instagram here.