Weird3 min(s) read
American rapper Ashnikko caused quite the controversy when she admitted to the crowd at a festival that she might start "free bleeding" on stage during her performance.
The US boundary-pushing artist was live on stage at Sziget in Budapest when she revealed to the audience that she was "about to start her period" whilst performing and that "if I'm free bleeding at any point on this stage, peace and love."
But what exactly is free bleeding, and why was it proved so controversial?
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Free bleeding is the act of not using pads, tampons or menstrual cups to either block or collect the flow of your period.
Instead, "free bleeders" choose to bleed naturally into their environment, whether that be on a towel they've collected underneath them, into special period underwear or old clothes.
Free bleeding can also have a financial benefit in this regard - since you won't be purchasing period products every single month.
Some people choose to do so, of course, out of comfort, but many see free bleeding as a modern comment on trying to destigmatize periods in everyday life.
In many parts of the world, persisting taboos and stigmas surrounding periods mean that people who are actively menstruating can be excluded from regular activities. As research by The Guardian points out, this is still a very real concern - Nepal only abolished a law that meant women had to be banished to their huts whilst on their period in 2019.
But free bleeding as a practice is a divisive one, especially in countries such as the US and UK, where periods in general are widely accepted.
However, Ashnikko's proud declaration that she might indeed free bleed while performing her live festival set has certainly put this topic at the front of people's minds.
Especially on social media, where people seem mixed in their reactions to free bleeding in practice, with some praising Ashnikko's candour, while others were just a bit too freaked out by the concept of free bleeding in general.
But let's break it down even further.
There are absolutely no known risks to free bleeding, as long as your general bodily hygiene is maintained throughout.
As Dr Susanna Unsworth, an Intimina women's health expert, told Tyla, free bleeding is "a new term for quite simple."
While it is definitely safe to free bleed, Dr Unsworth was also quick to point out that there is no "particular health benefit" to free bleeding.
She explained: "Menstrual blood leaving the body is the same whether it is absorbed by a sanitary pad or allowed to soak into underwear or clothing."
However, one thing to look out for is the fact that period blood can carry some bloodborne viruses such as Hepatitis B, which can linger for up to seven days, or Hepatitis C, which can be viable for even longer, up to three weeks. But as long as the blood is disposed of and you're avoiding "through-the-skin exposure," then everything will be fine.
