At the beginning, Jon Jon asked Zoe why she started advocating for menstrual-related issues. Zoe shared her experience of using a menstrual cup with her friends almost ten years ago, which led to discussions about menstrual problems. “Observing the amount of menstrual flow and physical condition made us feel that it was a good opportunity for everyone to discuss more openly.” Later, Zoe co-founded the charity organization Free Periods HK and hoped to bring about more changes. “For example, some girls with intellectual disabilities may feel uncomfortable using pads, so if we can introduce different menstrual products to them, such as menstrual pants that Ky loves to use (absorbent underwear made with special technology and materials that do not require additional menstrual products), it may be more suitable for them.”
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In fact, a few years ago, the media company that he worked for also produced a similar video. At that time, YouTubers were not as popular as they are now, and their channel did not want to focus solely on entertainment. Instead, they wanted to use new methods to discuss issues, which led to attempts to have boys buy pads, try wearing pads, and simulate menstrual pain using machines. The video has millions of views and is an interesting experience for audiences of different genders. Jon Jon humbly stated that he does not believe that making a video can change the world. “I often feel that doing many things is like planting seeds. Maybe after listening to this conversation today, you will have a moment in the future that will remind you of this conversation and continue this topic. I can also do more on my own platform, not just talk about menstrual pain.”
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Ky later overcame the taboo and embarrassment surrounding menstrual products in an unexpected way, which made everyone laugh. She loves playing mahjong and has been playing it more frequently during the pandemic. Once, she leaked while sitting on a chair at home, but she cleaned it up and let her friends sit on it. Her friends ended up winning a lot of money that day! Later, she shared the story of how coming on her period can be lucky, and everyone started fighting to sit on that chair. Although it seems like another superstition, it can be a good way to humorously respond to comments such as menstruation being taboo when spoken by elders.
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On the last day of the “Be My Buddy Buddy – Menstrual Equality Exhibition,” which also happened to be World Menstrual Day on May 28th this year, Free Periods HK invited two guests: Jon Jon, co-founder of “Very Surprise,” and Ky Wong, an art curator and writer, to talk about menstruation and break the stigma and misunderstandings surrounding it. The full Chinese article is available on freeperiods.hk.