Hello again, advocates and changemakers! As September unfolds, FUNKY BROWN CHICK continues our unwavering commitment to advancing sexual health and reproductive justice. The change in seasons brings fresh energy to our ongoing work and new opportunities to make an impact.
This month, as always, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the milestones and progress in social impact that shape our collective journey. Whether you’re gearing up for fall campaigns, planning your next civic action, or simply looking for inspiration in your daily fight for justice, September offers a wealth of reasons to stay motivated and engaged.
From Gynecologic Cancer Awareness to National Voter Registration Day, this month’s calendar is packed with opportunities to learn, advocate, and make a difference. So, let’s explore these September highlights together and fuel our passion for creating a more just, loving, and healthy world!
September 1 – 30
Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month
Gynecologic cancers are cancers that affect reproductive organs. Specific types include:
The ultimate goal of Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month is to raise awareness of the different risk factors and symptoms. One of our firm’s impact areas is “healthcare,” and we have an affinity for healthcare and services related to reproductive health. This commitment extends beyond awareness months, as evidenced by our just-released white paper, ‘Three Acts of Justice: Past, Present, and Future in Reproductive Rights.’ This resource delves deep into the evolving landscape of reproductive healthcare, offering insights that are crucial for understanding the broader context of women’s health issues. We invite you to explore this paper to gain a fuller perspective on the challenges and opportunities in reproductive healthcare access and policy.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Awareness Month
September spotlights Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Awareness Month, rallying around the theme “Voices of Strength, Agents of Change.” This genetic, hormonal, and metabolic disorder affects millions of women and girls, often leading to infertility and other serious health complications. The month’s goals? Boost awareness, improve diagnosis and treatment, and accelerate research for a cure. It’s a call to amplify patient voices and co-create healthcare solutions. At FUNKY BROWN CHICK, we see PCOS awareness as crucial to reproductive justice and health equity. Let’s educate ourselves, support research, and advocate for those affected by PCOS.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Prostate cancer will affect 1 in every 8 Americans with prostates or Skene’s glands. While there’s no cure, you can lower your risk. The goals of this month are to raise awareness around prostate health, to educate people on the risks and symptoms, encourage people to get screened and advocate for more research.
Menopause Awareness Month
Menopause Awareness Month is here, and it’s time to get real about hormones, hot flashes, and health equity! While some workplaces are finally waking up to menopause (looking at you, Britain), the U.S. is still hitting the snooze button. Menopause isn’t just about mood swings and night sweats – it’s a reproductive justice issue that impacts careers, relationships, and civic engagement.
And here’s the kicker – it’s not just about women. All genders can experience hormone-related health issues, from andropause to the effects of gender-affirming treatments.
As attacks on gender-affirming care intensify, we’re seeing a domino effect that could limit access to crucial hormone treatments for everyone. This Menopause Awareness Month, let’s amplify voices, demand better workplace policies, and fight for healthcare that supports all bodies through every transition. Because reproductive justice isn’t just about birth control and abortion rights – it’s about bodily autonomy at every stage of life.
Hunger Action Month
At FUNKY BROWN CHICK, we know that food security is about more than full bellies. It’s a cornerstone of reproductive justice and human rights. Our founder’s experience leading digital efforts to combat global hunger at a Fortune 500 food company drives our understanding of this critical issue. The reality? Food insecurity doesn’t just lead to hunger; it’s a key driver of sexual exploitation, survival sex, and child marriage.
The pandemic has only deepened these wounds, particularly for our LGBTQ+ community. Transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals face disproportionate rates of hunger, often avoiding food assistance due to stigma and discrimination. This is where reproductive justice meets food justice – and where we all need to step up.
Ready to make an impact? Here’s how you can join the fight:
- Educate yourself on the links between food security and reproductive health.
- Support local food banks and LGBTQIA+-friendly assistance programs.
- Advocate for inclusive policies that address both hunger and reproductive rights.
- Share resources on social media to break the stigma around food assistance.
Remember, every meal shared is a step towards a more just and equitable world. Let’s turn awareness into action – because no one should have to choose between food and dignity.
National Recovery Month
September marks National Recovery Month, and this year’s theme, “The Art of Recovery,” has FUNKY BROWN CHICK buzzing with excitement. Why? Because we know that recovery, like reproductive justice, is a creative act of reclaiming power and rewriting narratives.
“The Art of Recovery” is a powerful reminder that healing is a deeply personal and creative journey. We see the parallels between the art of recovery and the art of advocacy. Both require imagination, resilience, and the courage to envision a better future.
Visit samhsa.gov to discover more about recovery.
Self-Care Awareness Month
With the stress of an unstable economy, continued social and political unrest, and the negative health impacts of…well, capitalism, it’s especially important to make the effort to care for ourselves. Self-Care Awareness Month urges us to take personal wellness a little more seriously. It doesn’t need to be extravagant. Rest itself is a form of self-care. Some have taken part in “Black Power Naps” and learned more about rest from the Nap Ministry founder Tricia Hersey. Looking for other ways to care for yourself? Check out what Millennials and Gen Z are doing.
September 15 – October 15
National Hispanic Heritage Month
Embrace the vibrant heritage rooted in all Latin American countries as their rich (often overlooked) histories and remarkable achievements come to the forefront over these four weeks. We encourage you to celebrate the holiday by checking out a museum like the National Museum of the American Latino.
Wednesday, September 4
Labor Day
This holiday, formally established by Congress in 1894, is all about celebrating the U.S. laborers. It’s important to note that the rest of the world celebrates May Day (International Workers’ Day) as mentioned in our May Days to Remember. The U.S. decided to celebrate on a different day that has now come to be the unofficial end to summer. Our firm celebrates both days being U.S.-based while also standing with international workers’!
Friday, September 6
Death of Margaret Sanger (1966)
Born September 14, 1879, Margaret Sanger was a controversial eugenicist, birth control advocate, nurse, and writer. Eventually, she opened the nation’s first birth control clinic in Brooklyn (1916). In 1948, she helped found the International Committee on Planned Parenthood, a precursor to today’s organization. She also worked with doctors to help develop a birth control pill.
Despite her contributions to reproductive health, Sanger’s legacy will always be marred by her aggressive promotions of eugenics. In fact, due to her connection with racist eugenicist practices, Planned Parenthood in New York took her name off of their building.
We love to see it and would like to see other organizations supporting women’s rights become more explicitly and actively anti-racist. History is ugly, but we have to face it anyway. – James Baldwin said, “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”
Monday, September 9
Surgeon General C. Everett Koop Airs His Views on Sex Education
In 1987 the then-Surgeon General released a report about the AIDS epidemic. In this report, he stated that not only should there be sex ed in schools, but that it should begin “…at the lowest grade possible,” which he felt was 3rd grade. He later added that “we have to be as explicit as necessary to get the message across.” America agreed, and by the early ‘90s, 47 states had some form of sex ed in the classroom. Sadly, like we’re taking steps backward, only 30 states mandate sex ed in schools. However, even if the ones that mandate it, not all require that what’s taught is actually scientifically or medically accurate. As a firm, we support age-appropriate, medically accurate sex ed for all from birth forward.
Tuesday, September 10
World Suicide Prevention Day
Suicide remains a critical public health issue, ranking among the top 9 leading causes of death for people ages 10-64 in the U.S. The LGBTQ+ community continues to face heightened risk due to factors like discrimination and family rejection. While historical data showed men dying by suicide at higher rates, it’s important to recognize that suicide affects all genders and demographics. At FUNKY BROWN CHICK, we understand that addressing suicide prevention requires an intersectional approach that considers gender, sexuality, race, and socioeconomic factors.
Remember, hope and help are always available. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or chatting at 988lifeline.org. This confidential, free service is available 24/7/365.
Together, we can work towards a world where everyone feels supported and valued, regardless of their identity or background.
Saturday, September 14
Alfred C. Kinsey Publishes ‘Sexual Behavior in the Human Female.’
Published in 1953, this book further established Kinsey’s role as a leader in the controversial field of human sexuality. This book, plus ‘Sexual Behavior in the Human Male’, are known collectively as the Kinsey Reports. Kinsey interviewed over 6,000 women for the book. These interviews examined how factors such as age and religious beliefs impacted sexual behavior. When the book was published, several states were outlawing contraception.
Many years later, the Griswold v. Connecticut ruling made such bans illegal. Well, now that SCOTUS has overturned Roe, it’s not unfathomable that they’d also overturn Griswold, given it’s part of the same fabric that belongs to Roe. This is exactly why we do the work that we do to support organizations that care about reproductive rights. If that’s your organization, you should get in touch with us.
Monday, September 16
Global Internal Condom Day
Organized by several national and international gender equity and health groups, this day was created in order to educate the public about internal condoms, advocate for increased access to internal condoms, and encourage their wider use. Learn more about internal condoms.
Tuesday, September 17
Constitution and Citizenship Day
As part of Constitution Week (held from September 17-23), this day marks the anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787 and acts as a celebration of U.S. citizenship. As the nation currently wrestles with what the true nature of citizenship really is, it may be a good time to review the Constitution. Roe was initially fought and won based on the 14th Amendment. That’s the same amendment that brought us birthright citizenship (i.e., if you’re born in the U.S., you’re an American citizen). With the overturning of Roe, some elected officials have argued that we should reconsider birthright citizenship as well. Again, this is exactly why we support the organizations that we do, and we celebrate their achievements in fighting against such harmful narratives.
Wednesday, September 18
HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day
It’s estimated that around 45% of people living with HIV or AIDS are aged 50 or older. In addition, rates of HIV infection are climbing amongst the 50+ age demographic. The goals for this day are twofold:
- To educate patients, medical professionals, and caregivers on how drug therapies may affect older adults.
- To raise awareness that anyone at any age can get HIV or have AIDS. Remember, safe sex is for everybody!
Friday, September 20
National Voter Registration Day
As we gear up for a pivotal election year, National Voter Registration Day reminds us that democracy thrives on participation. At FUNKY BROWN CHICK, we’re passionate about civic engagement and voting rights, especially as they intersect with sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
This year, the stakes are higher than ever. Vice President Kamala Harris’s “Fight for Reproductive Freedoms” tour demonstrates the critical link between voting and bodily autonomy. As she stated, “I will continue to fight for our fundamental freedoms while bringing together those throughout America who agree that every woman should have the right to make decisions about her own body – not the government.”
We’re proud to partner with organizations combating voter suppression and inspiring civic action. Our focus? Amplifying democratic participation to ensure all voices are heard, particularly on SRHR issues.
We encourage you to make sure you’re registered to vote, know where your voting location is, and double check that your voter registration is up-to-date so you can easily get out there and vote this November!
End of U.S. Military’s ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy.
Officially established in 1994, ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ lifted the ban on lesbian and gay service members and protected them from discrimination – as long as they kept their identity under wraps. The passage of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act of 2010 officially ended the policy. Bad policies are usually, but not always, short-lived. So, though we’re living with a few bad policies and SCOTUS decisions now, we and our partners are doing the hard work to make the world better.
Saturday, September 21
Banned Websites Awareness Day
Started by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), the purpose of Banned Websites Awareness Day is to call attention to those websites and social networking sites that many schools prevent students from accessing. While schools maintain that these sites are blocked over concerns over their content, these sites are often educational. The AASL rightly is concerned that filtered sites may include those with information on and for the LGBTQIA+ community, health matters, or even bullying. There’s currently a push to ban books in the same vein as these efforts. To quote former U.S. President Barack Obama, “Today, some of the books that shaped my life—and the lives of many others—are being challenged by people who disagree with certain ideas or perspectives.”
Monday, September 23
Bi Visibility Day
This year marks the 25th year anniversary of Bisexuality Day! Bisexuality is the quality or characteristic of being sexually or romantically attracted to more than one sex or gender. To counter marginalization and support the bisexual community, promote the community’s contributions to history and culture, and educate the public on bisexuality.
Wednesday, September 25
U.S. Congress approves the Bill of Rights. (1789)
Written two years after the Constitution, the Bill of Rights is intended to establish certain rights due to all citizens of the United States. The document encompasses the first 10 Amendments to the Constitution and covers two of our most controversial and legislated amendments, the First and Second. The First Amendment is our freedom of speech, the right to say and believe what we want without restriction. The Second Amendment is our right to bear arms. The U.S. hasn’t always gotten it right and amendments to our founding documents are a clear example of that.
Thursday, September 26
World Contraception Day
As we celebrate World Contraception Day, we’re reminded that the fight for reproductive rights is ongoing – but there’s good news to report. The U.S. Supreme Court has unanimously rejected an effort to restrict access to mifepristone, a crucial abortion pill. This decision preserves an essential option for those seeking to end pregnancies safely.
This World Contraception Day, let’s amplify awareness about effective birth control methods and their importance in reproductive justice. Knowledge is power – and in this case, it’s the power to make informed decisions about our bodies and futures.
Remember, contraception isn’t just about preventing pregnancy; it’s about empowerment, health, and autonomy. Stay informed, stay vocal, and let’s keep pushing for comprehensive reproductive rights.
Saturday, September 28
International Safe Abortion Day
Held every year on September 28, this day is dedicated to ensuring that access to legal, medically-safe abortions is available to all. Organized by The Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Rights and other organizations, this day of action has its roots in advocacy efforts in the Caribbean and Latin America. Despite the fight for the right to safe abortions, SCOTUS overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022 which has suppressed this right for many.
Stay informed. Download our latest white paper report (about Roe v. Wade), Three Acts of Justice, to:
- Gain deeper insights into how rights have evolved throughout U.S. history
- Understand the broader impact of Dobbs v. Jackson on justice and human rights RIGHT NOW — beyond Roe v. Wade
- Find out how immigration, marriage equality, and surveillance connect with reproductive rights
- Get practical tools and recommendations to advocate for change
- Take action and shape a brighter future for all
Monday, September 30
International Podcast Day
Podcasts are big business – and big entertainment. Whether you’re interested in true crime, food, or sexuality and relationships – our favorite topics! – there’s a podcast out there for you! This day is dedicated to celebrating creators, producers, industry leaders, and listeners. If you produce a podcast, the official site provides several ideas to promote your content and engage with listeners worldwide. Below are a few we recommend.
Racial Justice:
- How Reproductive Justice Is Part of an Anti-Racist Agenda
- Because Reproductive Justice is Racial Justice
Food Security
Healthcare:
From Menopause Awareness to Supreme Court decisions, and from Recovery Month to World Contraception Day, September reminds us that sexual health and reproductive justice is deeply intertwined with many other areas of impact, especially civic engagement!
At FUNKY BROWN CHICK, our expertise in digital strategy, storytelling, and data analysis has helped organizations amplify their impact in areas such as civic engagement, immigration, food security, climate justice and more. Ready to turn your passion into measurable results? Let’s chat about how we can supercharge your mission. Whether you’re fighting for reproductive justice, mobilizing voters, or both, we’ve got the tools and know-how to help you win. Don’t just mark these awareness days – make them count. Reach out to us and let’s create change together.