For the new editor-in-chief of any publication, the first cover is always a big decision. But especially at the Cut — a place where I was an editor years ago and that I have such a deep love for — it’s a responsibility I take incredibly seriously. Much of my time has been spent analyzing how I can make our point of view more inclusive and questioning whom we give this platform to and how we decide equitably who is “cool” or “worthy” or “important” to feature on a cover. I know firsthand how much representation means to marginalized communities and how it can change your life. Growing up, I would rip out pages of every magazine and put them up on my wall, and my mother would tell me, “Lindsay, none of these people look like you, have the same background as you — and if you want to work in magazines one day, you’re going to have to change things.”

In light of being a year into this pandemic and with social-justice movements from Black Lives Matter to Stop Asian Hate finally being given the respect they deserve, I wanted to put someone on my first Cut cover who brought these issues to the forefront and gave people comfort in times when it felt like there was no hope. Abby Phillip is all that and more — she has given countless women of color someone to look up to, someone who spoke the truth we were all thinking at home and who wasn’t afraid to call out white supremacy on national television. Even throughout the most tumultuous days, Abby has been a consistent voice of sanity and clarity providing thoughtful commentary we desperately needed.

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Why people are locking themselves to pipeline equipment in Minnesota and not letting go. The 2021 World Happiness Report focuses on the effects of COVID-19 and how people all over the world have fared. Turns out there’s an R-rated version of Mrs. Doubtfire? Ten women allege that a popular, members-only goth venue’s leadership ignored sexual misconduct among members at the club and its festivals. An Asian mother was punched by a stranger on Sunday in New York City while walking to a demonstration against anti-Asian violence. Take a virtual cooking class to support the AAPI community.

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