Periods Gone Public - by Jennifer Weiss-Wolf (Paperback)

About the Book

Leading menstrual rights advocate, writer, and attorney Jennifer Weiss-Wolf's PERIODS GONE PUBLIC examines the cultural and political history of menstruation and the new, high-profile menstrual equity movement dispelling stigma and promoting advocacy on a global level.

Book Synopsis

The first book to explore menstruation in the current cultural and political landscape, feminist icon Gloria Steinem said Periods Gone Public, "maybe the beginning of liberation for us all."

From eliminating the tampon tax, to enacting new laws ensuring access to affordable, safe products, menstruation is no longer something to whisper about. Jennifer Weiss-Wolf shares her firsthand account in the fight for "period equity" and introduces readers to the leaders, pioneers, and everyday people who are making change happen.

Weiss-Wolf--the woman Bustle dubbed one of the nation's "badass menstrual activists"--explores why periods have become a prominent political cause. From societal attitudes of periods throughout history--in the United States and around the world--to grassroots activism and product innovation, Weiss-Wolf challenges readers to face stigma head-on and elevate an agenda that recognizes both the power--and the absolute normalcy--of menstruation.

"At its core, a menstrual movement, and Periods Gone Public, is about challenging all of us to face stigma head-on. And about advancing an agenda that recognizes the power, pride, and absolute normalcy of periods. Indeed, President Trump, we do have blood coming out of our wherever. Every month. It is not a secret."

After centuries of being shrouded in taboo and superstition, periods have gone mainstream. Seemingly overnight, a new, high-profile movement has emerged--one dedicated to bold activism, creative product innovation, and smart policy advocacy--to address the centrality of menstruation in relation to core issues of gender equality and equity.

Review Quotes

Praise for Jennifer Weiss-Wolf's Periods Gone Public:

"Weiss-Wolf's thorough research and detailed history, coupled with her practical suggestions for advocating for menstrual equity, makes this book an invaluable resource to any feminist activist."--Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Periods Gone Public by Jennifer Weiss-Wolf may be the beginning of liberation for us all." -- Gloria Steinem

"A riveting read ... a rich picture of the current menstrual landscape and a promising call to smart activism." -- Washington Post

"If Jennifer Weiss-Wolf were a superhero, her alter ego would probably be Period Warrior: a brave champion for all who menstruate, who never leaves home without extra tampons for anyone in need, and whose secret power is the ability to push forward a legislative agenda that ensures menstrual equity and justice for all."--Refinery 29

"A thoroughly researched call to action . . . accessible, nuanced and groundbreaking. . . Relevant for all readers interested in how current government policies impact society and for those wishing to know more about global approaches to innovation." -- Library Journal, starred review.

"Jennifer Weiss-Wolf's Periods Gone Public gives powerful voice to one of the most ignored human rights issues around the globe. It's required reading for every one of us." -- Abigail Jones, Newsweek

"Jennifer Weiss-Wolf's passion and vision for menstrual equity continues in Periods Gone Public. While both inspiring and educating, she continues to keep menstruation on front pages and at the forefront of conversations across the globe." -- Elissa Stein, author of Flow: The Cultural Story of Menstruation

"One of the most important pieces of literature on women's rights and health policy in decades. A game changing blueprint for action." --NYC Council Member Julissa Ferreras-Copeland

About the Author

Jennifer Weiss-Wolf is a leading advocate and voice for equitable menstrual policy in America. Her petition to end the tampon tax, launched in partnership with Cosmopolitan, catalyzed a national movement. Newsweek deemed her the "architect of the U.S. policy campaign to squash the tampon tax." Weiss-Wolf's writing and work has appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post, TIME, Newsweek, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, The Nation, Bloomberg, and Ms. Magazine, among others. She is on the advisory board of ZanaAfrica Foundation, which provides essential menstrual health education and products to girls in Kenya. She lives in Maplewood, New Jersey.