Who are those hardcore souls who give so much of their MSG-laced sweat and hot sauce-induced tears to Hyphen magazine? This month, as part of Hyphen’s fundraising campaign, you’ll get to know some of these ass-kicking heroines and heroes who aren’t anyone’s sidekicks or comic relief, and who live beyond the final scenes. Way beyond....

erin Khue Ninh (Hyphen blog coeditor) is one of those people you almost instantly feel like you’ve known forever. Her infectious energy, laughter and candor are refreshing, yet also comforting in such a way that you find yourself almost having to hold back from reminiscing about your own past and starting every sentence with, “Do you remember when we....?” So it’s really no surprise that this person whose personality translates well on the phone is also the person who works in the virtual blog world of Hyphen.

How and when were you first introduced to Hyphen?

Back in the day, Hyphen put on a couple of speed-dating events. ... In February 2004, a friend sent me the email about it, and the website seemed respectable. So I go. I saw an issue at the event, and offered to stuff envelopes -- but nobody called me! When I finally tracked down someone to recruit me, my first project was a fundraiser, doing holiday gift wrapping in a storefront at the Bay Street Mall in Emeryville, where Tea Cake Bake Shop is now. For my first staff position I named myself human resources and operations manager, and focused on recruiting and training volunteers. I was publisher for a while, then in the last year and a half became blog coeditor with Sylvie [Kim].

What do you think makes Hyphen so unique?

We’re all volunteers, and though we would like to change that so that we can pay people, the volunteer structure has some strengths. More flexibility, and there’s a self-selective quality so that the people who stay involved are passionate with a lot of talent, ability and dedication.

What kind of impact do you hope it has?

I would like to see it be the go-to place for left-leaning Asian Americans in their 20s to 40s. I don't think I really understood what "community" meant before I found Hyphen, I've never known what one felt like before. I hope it becomes that for more and more people.

How have you seen it change over time?

There's been some expansion and contraction as people come and go. Most significantly, I've seen Hyphen's biz side grow in the last few years, becoming more stable, savvier, and more professional. These biz people we've got now -- they're pretty smart. 

How has your relationship with/perspective of API issues changed over time?

In my early twenties I had more of a militant edge, mostly saw things to be mad about. Now my politics are progressive, but less pessimistic. Okay, maybe still pessimistic, but less pissed.

Do you tend to crave sweet or savory food more?

Sweet. I think?

If you had to choose your last meal on earth, what would it be?

Not sure. It may involve bacon.

What’s your favorite guilty pleasure?

I don’t feel guilty about the things I like! I feel a little guilty about that.

Did your parents make you go to language school?

No. We lived with my grandma, so she taught us.

What are you listening to now, in terms of music?

Nothing right now. I sold my stereo with the 51-CD changer, and now I have no access to my CDs.

Do you prefer to eat family-style or order individually?

Family-style.

What would your superhero alter ego be?

When I was a kid, I was obsessed with the comic series Elf Quest. Some of the characters had a duality of powers: a person could heal or kill, with a thought! So I would want to be that one, uh, and use my powers for good.

Please donate to Hyphen to support the work of our hard-working volunteers. A healer cannot heal only on bacon alone....