I first met Tara Lynn when we worked together in Maine State Music Theatre's 2019 production of The Wizard of Oz. I was immediately drawn to her infectious energy, incredible magnetism, and of course, her undeniable talent. I feel improbably lucky to call her my friend. She is smart, creative, and never stands still, directing her energy into creative pursuits and multiple business endeavors.
If you look up "powerful woman entrepreneur" in the dictionary, I suspect you would find a photo of Tara Lynn doing jazz hands. Not only is she an incredible performer (and proud member of Actor's Equity Association, union strong!), but she is also a dance educator, personal trainer/owner of Steele Mobility, and co-founder of Unleash Your Superpowers, a menstrual health education organization. In honor of Women's History Month, I asked Tara Lynn a few questions about menstruation and her plans for Unleash Your Superpowers.
Me and Tara Lynn at the Unleash Your Superpowers pop-up in Brooklyn, summer 2022
Small Change: Where did you first get the idea for Unleash Your Superpowers?
Tara Lynn: Korra (co-founder of Unleash) and I were in my Harlem apartment chatting about training and how we are often relegated to an asterisk at the bottom of the page (in fitness and training manuals). I said I was tired of being an asterisk and then that was that - we were determined to not only change our own future but to help as many menstruators as we could.
SC: Who is your target audience?
TL: Menstruating humans (uterus owners, women) and partners/folks who love someone who menstruates.
SC: Why are you so particular about using the phrase "menstruating humans"?
TL: This is two fold: we say menstruating humans in order to be clear in the "who it's for" - we are speaking to those that are active in their menstruation (folks who have gone through menopause aren't bleeding anymore, but still often identify as women!). Therefore, we are speaking directly to those who still actively bleed, and it is also a more inclusive term for all those that don't identify as femm bodies.
SC: If you could tell people one thing about their menstrual health, what would it be?
TL: As a menstruating human, you're a freaking superhero by default (and you probably didn't even know!). The different phases of your menstrual cycle offer different superpowers, and it's all about learning how to use them.
SC: What is your ultimate goal for Unleash Your Superpowers?
TL: Unleash Your Superpowers hopes to empower menstruators to biohack their cycles and live their most superpowered lives.
SC: How has Unleash affected positive change in your community, and what accomplishments are you most proud of?
TL: Unleash Your Superpowers is only two years old, and in that time we stretched our reach to five continents! We are active in schools in NYC helping young menstruators navigate school and harness the power of their cycles in order to achieve higher productivity that is conducive to their biology. We have hosted pop-ups in NYC, educating our community including male partners who want to be more supportive. We have a book, planner, and new recipe subscription! I think the thing we are most excited about is our current collab with Period.org - fundraising for those in period poverty. We believe that everyone deserves menstrual equity and education. Period!
In honor of Women's History Month, Unleash Your Superpowers is partnering with Period.org to take action against period poverty and stigma. Their goal is to create a world where everyone has access to the resources they need to manage their period with dignity and respect. This month, they are hoping to raise awareness and funds for this critical cause. Unleash Your Superpowers will be holding a live fundraiser in NYC on March 29 featuring a silent auction, live performances, a speaker from Period.org, and menstrual education. I will keep you updated on details!
You can help Unleash Your Superpowers reach their goal of raising $5,000 by the end of March by donating at unleash-your-superpowers.com/donate. For more information on how to Unleash your own superpowers, visit unleash-your-superpowers.com.
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