Nationwide — Gyrls In The H.O.O.D Foundation will host its 3rd Annual Let It Flow Fest on August 29 in Chicago’s Greater Grand Crossing community, continuing its work to address period poverty, advance menstrual health equity, and create spaces where adolescent gyrls can talk openly and confidently about their bodies and health. For years, Gyrls In The H.O.O.D (Healthy, Optimistic, Outstanding, Determined) Foundation has been at the forefront of adolescent reproductive health and menstrual equity in Chicago, combining education, advocacy, direct access to menstrual products, and community-based support. Let It Flow Fest grew from that work and has become a signature gathering centered specifically on the menstrual health needs and experiences of adolescent gyrls.
“Period poverty is affecting adolescent gyrls right here in our communities,” said Chez Smith, Founder and Executive Director of Gyrls In The H.O.O.D Foundation. “We see firsthand what happens when gyrls don’t have consistent access to period products, trusted information, or a safe place to ask questions about their bodies. Our goal is to make sure no gyrl has to miss school, sit out of an activity, suffer in silence, or feel ashamed simply because she has a period. Gyrls deserve access to products, accurate information, trusted health professionals, and spaces where their questions and experiences are taken seriously,” she added.
The 2026 Let It Flow Fest will bring health education, wellness, and community together through a youth-moderated Period Panel featuring physicians and medical professionals from Cook County Health and Northwestern Medicine, featuring yoga, self-care stations, and interactive conversations designed to challenge menstrual stigma and give gyrls practical information and resources to navigate their periods with dignity. Every attendee will also receive a free H.O.O.D Kit, filled with menstrual products, hygiene supplies, and self-care items.
A defining feature of Let It Flow Fest is putting young people at the center of the conversation. Rather than simply talking to adolescent gyrls about menstrual health, the event creates opportunities for them to ask questions, engage directly with medical professionals, and build greater confidence and body literacy. Chez continues, “Period poverty cannot be solved by handing someone a pad once. We have to address access, education, stigma, and the systems that determine whether gyrls have what they need.”
Over the past two years, Let It Flow Fest has attracted adolescent gyrls from across Chicago and surrounding suburbs. The 2026 event is expected to reach capacity. Attendees will also be treated to lunch catered by B4 Beverage Company. Supporters of this year’s event include Mothers Resource Foundation and Chicago Foundation for Women.
About
Founded in 2017, Gyrls In The H.O.O.D Foundation is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization working to improve reproductive health outcomes for adolescent gyrls in underserved communities. Through reproductive and sexual health education, menstrual equity initiatives, youth-centered programming, advocacy, and direct support services, the Foundation works to ensure adolescent gyrls have the knowledge, resources, and support necessary to make informed decisions about their health. Support the movement at GyrlsintheHood.com
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