Meet DAAMAN THANDI | Founding Editor, The Lipstick Politico

We had the good fortune of connecting with DAAMAN THANDI and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi DAAMAN, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My journey leading to the creation of The Lipstick Politico has been a convergence of diverse experiences in media, foreign policy, development, and a deep passion for gender issues. Each chapter of my career contributed to a unique perspective, fostering a belief in the need for South Asian content shaped through a nuanced gender lens.

The idea behind The Lipstick Politico (TLP) was a realization that there wasn’t a comprehensive space dedicated to encapsulating the depth and diversity of South Asian narratives, especially from an informed gender perspective. It emerged from a desire to bridge this gap and curate a platform where these multifaceted stories could find a home.

What should our readers know about your business?
At The Lipstick Politico, our essence lies in celebrating South Asian culture, art, and community. What sets us apart is our commitment to weaving together the South Asian diaspora across continents through thought-provoking content and immersive initiatives. Among the milestones we’re incredibly proud of, our Mental Health Dictionary initiative stands out. It was our way of combating the stigma around mental health, one word at a time, raising awareness and fostering conversations that matter.
Our foray into our digital diaspora events is another milestone we cherish. Collaborating with spaces like @sohohouse, we curate immersive evenings celebrating South Asian art, featuring insightful panel discussions and showcasing the work of talented South Asian artists.
Our journey is still unfolding, currently, we’re pivoting towards creating more video and audio content, seeking to elevate our storytelling through these mediums.

Challenges have been a constant companion on this path. The key lesson I’ve imbibed through this journey is that while ideas are abundant, it’s the execution that truly matters. It’s about taking those ideas and turning them into tangible realities.

At the end of the day, telling stories that celebrate culture, humanize resilience, and showcase courage isn’t just a passion—it’s a mission. It’s about offering narratives that inspire, empower, and resonate with our audience, fostering connections, and building bridges across cultures and experiences.
In essence, The Lipstick Politico is a space where diverse voices converge, stories find a home, and conversations resonate. And our commitment remains unwavering—to continue amplifying these voices, fostering dialogues, and celebrating the rich mosaic of South Asian culture and experiences.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I rarely get to see my best friends because we all live on different continents. I love to take my friends to my favourite hole-in-the-wall taquerias and wine bars and just catch up on life.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely! I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to someone without whom The Lipstick Politico wouldn’t have been the platform it is today. My co-founding editor, Cyandra Carvahello, has been instrumental in shaping the essence and impact of TLP. Cyandra, a development professional and wordsmith extraordinaire, brought an unparalleled level of sass, character, and depth to the work we do at TLP. 

Website: thelipstickpolitico.in

Instagram: @thelipstickpolitico