Layla Haidrani
Journalist
I’m a multi-award winning writer and editor based in North London with a specialism in underreported stories. I’m a widely published journalist and have had several years of experience working for publications in the UK and the Middle East.
I write features, investigations, profiles, long reads and personal essays for leading publications in the UK and Middle East across print and digital including British VOGUE, Harper’s Bazaar, GQ, VICE, i-D, DAZED, AnOther, Refinery29, Dazed Beauty, Shondaland, Grazia, Cosmopolitan UK, gal-dem, Bustle, Time Out London and more. My portfolio can be found HERE.
I cover a broad range of subjects writing across health, lifestyle, books, relationships as well as marginalised communities, contemporary faith and British identity. I specialise in underreported stories affecting women and my agenda-setting journalism tackles hard-hitting issues rarely covered in mainstream media. My writing is inclusive and intersectional, giving a platform to marginalised voices and I aim to challenge existing assumptions.
I’ve written everything from reporting on how a new generation are redefining Middle Eastern women's relationships towards sexual health, an exclusive investigation reporting how women with physical disabilities are denied access to life-saving cervical screenings for Bustle to my long-form feature interviewing women in the USA legally forced to share custody with their perpetrators. These were recognised by the Amnesty Media Awards 2020 and the Asian Woman of Achievement Awards 2019.
I’ve won 3 awards for my journalism, including ‘Young Journalist' at the Guild of Health Writers' Awards in 2018 and ‘New Journalist of The Year’ at the PPA New Talent Awards in 2017. I’ve also been shortlisted for 7 others including the ‘Features’ category at the Amnesty Media Awards 2020 and the 'Media' category at the Asian Woman of Achievement Awards 2019.
I started my career as Editorial Assistant at the UK's best-selling nursing magazine Nursing Standard and nine monthly journals. I’m also an experienced editor having been Features Editor at What’s On Dubai and What’s On Abu Dhabi, the number one bestselling magazine in the United Arab Emirates where I reviewed luxury hotels, restaurants and new openings in both cities for a living.
My agenda-setting journalism has led to numerous appearances on TV, radio and podcasts including BBC Four, BBC Asian Network, BBC South East, Dubai Eye 103.8 and Youth Rising by NCS.
I studied History at University of Kent and University of Miami.
I was born, raised and currently based in London. I’ve also lived in Miami and Dubai and often spend summers in the Greek and Balearic Islands.
I have an identical twin sister so don’t be alarmed if you see us together at the same time.
You can see selected examples of my multi award-winning journalism and writing here.
Image credit: Adrien Liss