It was a ‘bleed-in’
A group of student-activists at the University of Florida painted their pants in fake blood to simulate menstrual flow earlier this week in order to protest the lack of free menstrual products on the school’s campus.
Calling it a “bleed-in,” about two dozen students participated in the faux-menses demonstration on campus, according to The Independent Florida Gator.
“If you’re disgusted with our bloody pants, then maybe you should rethink whether or not this is important for everybody or if everybody would use it,” 30-year-old student Jenny Boylan said, according to The Gator. “I think you all collectively benefit from me not bleeding in your seat.”
The protest comes after the university’s student government voted against a proposition to provide free menstrual products to women on campus.
Although organizers did not expect everyone to paint their pants, they hoped the visual inspires students to advocate for accessible menstrual products.
Shannon Mathew, a UF psychology and sociology senior, was one of the first students to paint their pants at the protest.
The 21-year-old said she’s had no access to a tampon in an emergency too many times to count.
“This is a part of reproductive justice,” Mathew said. “I’m not ashamed of my period, and I don’t think anyone should be.”
A Change.org petition in support of free menstrual products at the university garnered 3,200 signatures last semester.
MORE: American University’s student gov. president promises ‘menstrual equity’
IMAGE: Sudowoodo / Shutterstockcom
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