The personal care brand Frida has launched an adult-only online platform that provides tutorial videos on how to use fertility, prenatal, and postpartum products. This move was inspired by the lack of authentic representations of women’s bodies in mass advertising, as many platforms have rejected ads that show real experiences. The founder of Frida, Chelsea Hirschhorn, believes there should be a safe space for explicit content and nudity to be disseminated informatively to those who need it, even though social media and television platforms may not allow it.
Frida has faced challenges with marketing its products in mainstream media, with platforms like ABC and Amazon restricting their ads due to their explicit content. Hirschhorn recounts instances where ads related to fertility and breast health were censored or removed on sites like Instagram. These challenges highlight the need for more open discussions about women’s health and bodily functions, as this information is crucial for empowering women to take control of their own health.
Women’s health experts have criticized platforms like Meta for restricting content related to female reproductive health, while allowing ads related to male reproductive health. The Center for Intimacy Justice has filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission regarding discriminatory practices in content censorship. Despite Meta updating its advertising policies to allow more reproductive health content targeted at adults, there is still a need for greater access to important health information for all individuals.
Taboos surrounding women’s health issues have led to reduced awareness of conditions like menstruation symptoms and bladder control loss, impacting women’s health outcomes negatively. Ads for products addressing these issues play a vital role in raising awareness and addressing women’s health. However, there is still a long way to go in terms of making information publicly available and destigmatizing discussions around women’s health.
Frida Uncensored aims to increase access to important health information by providing explicit tutorials on various women’s health topics. By challenging societal norms and advocating for more open conversations about women’s bodies and health, Frida hopes to empower women to take charge of their health and wellbeing. The platform addresses the gap in information available to women, providing detailed guidance on topics that are often seen as off-limits in mainstream media.
Chelsea Hirschhorn’s decision to launch the Frida Uncensored platform was influenced by her own experiences navigating her health during puberty. By creating a space for open conversations about women’s bodies and health, Frida is contributing to a cultural shift towards more transparency and inclusivity in health education. The ongoing challenges faced by companies like Frida in marketing women’s health products highlight the need for greater representation and advocacy for women’s health in mainstream media.
