GENDER
Why the Maternal Health Crisis Needs Bold Solutions—Especially in the South
Rewire News Group - February 2021
According to the March of Dimes 2020 report on maternal and infant health, the states with the highest levels of infant mortality and preterm births are mostly concentrated in the Southeast. This crisis is a multilayered problem, with deep roots in the history of racism and a continued foothold in lack of access to care.
In Mozambique, Community-Based Model for Reproductive Health Care Serves Women in Sex Trade
Women's Media Center (Women Under Siege) - January 2021
Aida spends her mornings like many other working people in Beira, Mozambique — out on the job. Her “office” is a mobile health clinic, and her goal is to reach one key underserved population: sex workers. Aida and her team are current or former sex workers themselves.
The Indigenous Woman Leading the Fight to Save the Arctic Wildlife Refuge
Women's Media Center (FBomb) - November 2020
For Bernadette Demientieff, the Arctic was never just some far-off region portending the coming horrors of climate change. Fort Yukon, Alaska, is home to her, and warming temperatures have long been a devastating reality.
How The Breast Cancer Community Is Taking On Photo Censorship
HealthCentral - October 2020
Earlier this month, something strange started happening to the Instagram account for The Breasties, a nationwide nonprofit breast cancer support group. The account admins noticed that mastectomy images they posted kept getting labeled as “sexual activity.”
Meet The Environmental Organizer Making Waves In Tennessee’s Senate Race
Supermajority News - September 2020
Marquita Bradshaw is a 46-year-old community organizer who made history as the first Black woman to receive a major party’s nomination for U.S. Senate in Tennessee. We spoke about about her activist career, being a “first,” and why we all need to vote this fall.
West Virginia’s First Trans Lawmaker On Why Local Elections Matter
Supermajority News - October 2020
On June 9, 26-year-old Rosemary Ketchum became one of only 27 openly transgender elected officials across the United States. We spoke about local politics, racial justice, and “the intersectionality of what it means to be vulnerable.”
Meet Shawn Bethea, The Crohn’s Advocate Fighting for Racial Justice
HealthCentral - September 2020
Bethea has lived with IBD since 2009, and her reality as a Black woman has impacted the way she’s treated in hospitals, the way she is forced to present her emotions, and the way she thinks about her role in the world.
Should Paid Period Leave Be A Thing?
HealthCentral - September 2020
On average, a woman spends 3,000 days of her life menstruating. This breaks down to 40 years, once per month, for approximately six days each cycle.
Uterine Fibroids’ Disproportionate Impact on Women of Color
HealthCentral - July 2020
Despite being so common, fibroids are a somewhat mysterious medical complication. They can lead to heavier periods, painful sex and frequent urination, complications in pregnancy and labor, and in rare cases, infertility.
3 Doctors Weigh In On How Often It’s Safe To Take Plan B
Elite Daily - February 2020
Emergency contraception probably isn’t something you think about every day, but when you do need it, it can provide a real sense of security. Even just knowing the morning-after pill is available can help you breathe easier and enjoy sex free of worry.
PMS Depression: What It Is & How To Find Relief
Greatist - February 2020
For better or worse, your period often makes it very clear when it’s on the way each month. It’s like that great-aunt at the family reunion who feels the need to announce to absolutely everyone that she has arrived and won’t be ignored.
Psst, Here’s The Truth About Getting Pregnant From Period Sex
Elite Daily - December 2019
Sex doesn’t have to be off-limits during your period. When you’re in the right mood (AKA, not curled up watching reruns of The Office while you deal with your cramps), sex on your period can be awesome.
The Women Who Confronted Harvey Weinstein Held A Comedy Show By Rape Survivors
Elite Daily - November 2019
Amber Rollo never expected to come face-to-face with Harvey Weinstein. But on Oct. 23, at an Actor’s Hour event at Downtime Bar in NYC, she noticed Weinstein sitting in the audience and knew she had to say something.
I Missed My Period, But The Pregnancy Test Was Negative. What’s The Deal?
Greatist - December 2019
In all likelihood, you’ve got your menstrual cycle down to a science. So when you miss your period, it can immediately trigger the pressing question, “Am I pregnant?”
Endometriosis After a C-Section: Everything You Need to Know
Greatist - October 2019
You had a baby! Congrats! We know you’re dealing with a lot of new challenges, which can be extra frustrating if you’re recovering from a cesarean delivery. That frustration can be even greater if you’re noticing scarring or inflammation that seems abnormal.
Ugh, Why Am I Having Cramps After My Period Is Over?
Greatist - August 2019
So many things are awesome about having a vagina. Dealing with period pain is not one of those things. Some people experience such severe cramps that they’ll cancel all their plans and curl up with a bottle of ibuprofen and “Friends” reruns (hi — it me).
IUDs Are Ridiculously Effective At Preventing Pregnancy, Just So You Know
Elite Daily - July 2019
You’re in for some good news — it’s a super effective choice, reducing your risk of pregnancy by more than 99%, according to Planned Parenthood. But it’s still not for everyone, so before you run to your doctor requesting one, here’s everything you need to know.
‘The Bachelorette’s Hannah B.’s Thoughts On Sex & Religion Make Me Feel Seen
Elite Daily - July 2019
Like Hannah, I grew up in the South, competed in pageants, and felt an overwhelming pressure to be perfectly poised and articulate at all times. And I, too, felt shame about my sexuality for many years.
Pageantry Gave Me Lasting Body Image Issues, But I’m Still Glad I Did It
Elite Daily - July 2019
The night before a show, I used to cover my stomach with lotion and wrap it in plastic wrap while I slept — a trick I learned from a friend to help sweat off my water weight. To this day, my inner critic won’t let me off the hook when I want to eat junk food or take a rest day.
FYI: Condoms Aren’t As Foolproof At Preventing Pregnancy As You Might Think
Elite Daily - July 2019
It’s probably one of the first methods of birth control you learned about in your childhood or teenage years, not to mention the most widely accessible choice. But just how effective are condoms at preventing pregnancy? The answer might surprise you.
5 Misconceptions About Female Sexual Pleasure, Busted By A Sexpert
Elite Daily - May 2019
Popular culture and the media are filled with mixed messages about sex. Songs and movies often emphasize how mind-blowingly awesome it can be… but at the same time, quality sex education is severely lacking in the United States.
Can You Get Birth Control Without Your Parents Knowing? It Depends, But Here’s How
Elite Daily - May 2019
The decision to start taking birth control is a big one, and especially if you don’t have much experience dealing with health insurance, it can be intimidating. Can you get birth control without your parents knowing, even if you’re still part of their insurance plan?
Is Hormonal Birth Control Safe? Here’s What Experts Say You Should Know
Elite Daily - May 2019
It feels like the list of available options just keeps growing (which is wonderful!), but so does the collection of myths floating around. Is hormonal birth control safe? Does it affect your body differently than other forms of contraception?
How Much Does An Abortion Cost? It Depends On Your State & Insurance
Elite Daily - May 2019
Choosing to get an abortion is a very personal decision, and only you can decide if it’s the right thing for your health and your body. It’s important to inform yourself about your options so you feel comfortable moving forward.
The Problem With Disney Princesses Is Their Narrow Definition of “Happily Ever After”
Elite Daily - March 2019
Here’s the not-so-magical truth behind Disney fairytales: The expectation that “someday my prince will come” disempowers women from living lives on their own terms, or from seeking out romantic relationships that make them feel like equal partners.
Southern Christian Purity Culture Affected My Views On Sex & I’m Still Working Through It
Elite Daily - February 2019
Young women need to hear that their bodies are beautiful, miraculous things and that their sexuality is something to celebrate — in whatever way feels right to them. This would have changed my life as a teenager.
When Should You Take A Pregnancy Test? 3 OBGYNs Break It Down
Elite Daily - February 2019
No matter how careful you are, things happen, and sex doesn’t always go as planned. What should you do in these situations? Suddenly, you find yourself wondering when you should take a pregnancy test and whether this means you should low-key start to panic.
When Does The Period Emoji Come Out? I Can’t Bloody Wait
Elite Daily - February 2019
Giving periods a super public symbol like an emoji is a great reminder that half the population has them and we should clearly be able to talk about that. Why are we stigmatizing something that is so universal and so natural for the human body?
Biology, Funding, and Ego Slow Quest for Male Birth Control
Rewire.News - August 2018
It’s the pill that changed history for women, opening up unprecedented opportunities to build a life unrestricted to marriage and motherhood. Since its launch in the early 1960s, the birth control pill has expanded our understanding of what is possible in modern relationships. But what about options for men?
An Unexpected Side Effect Of Running
Greatist - March 2018
Running feels like taking back my power in a world that says, “You exist to be looked at and desired and wanted by someone else.” I run because my muscles, my breath—even my soul cries out for it. Feeling strong as a woman allows me to believe, for a moment, that I don’t have to fear.