Venice Beach has never been afraid to do things differently. Known for its surf culture, street art, and free-spirited energy, it’s also becoming a leader in something that doesn’t always make the headlines—period inclusivity. While some places are still dancing around the conversation, Venice is stepping up in a way that actually matters. From public restrooms stocked with free products to businesses embracing more inclusive policies, the community is making sure no one feels left out when it comes to menstrual care.
A Different Kind of Beach Culture
Most people think of Venice Beach as a laid-back paradise where anything goes. The boardwalk is packed with skaters, artists, and musicians, all doing their thing without judgment. But that same open-minded attitude is extending to an issue that has been ignored for too long.
Instead of treating menstruation like some awkward secret, local organizations and businesses are normalizing it. Public restrooms are getting stocked with products people actually need, and small businesses are making space for conversations about menstrual health. This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about dignity. No one should have to scramble for supplies or feel ashamed for needing them.
Local Businesses Are Getting Involved
It’s not just community groups pushing for change—local businesses are stepping in, too. Cafés, surf shops, and yoga studios are starting to offer free products in their bathrooms, and it’s making a real impact.
Some shop owners say they started stocking pads and tampons because customers were asking for them. Others say it just felt like the right thing to do. Either way, it’s catching on fast. People aren’t just noticing the effort—they’re supporting the places that are making a difference.
One café owner near the boardwalk summed it up perfectly: “It’s such a small thing to do, but it makes a big difference. No one should have to cut their day short because they got caught off guard.”
The Power of Public Spaces
One of the biggest shifts happening in Venice Beach is in its public spaces. City officials and grassroots organizers have been working together to make sure that period care is treated like any other public health issue—because that’s exactly what it is.
Public restrooms in Venice aren’t just about washing the sand off your feet anymore. More of them are now stocked with menstrual products, just like they have toilet paper and soap. And in a place like Venice Beach, where the community is as diverse as it gets, this kind of accessibility matters.
It’s especially important for people who don’t have consistent access to products—whether that’s unhoused residents, young people, or anyone else who might be struggling. Period care shouldn’t be a luxury, and Venice Beach is proving that it doesn’t have to be.
A Game-Changer for Those Who Need It Most
For some people, grabbing a tampon or a pad at a café or a public restroom is just a convenience. But for others, it’s life-changing. This is where Venice Beach is making a serious impact, particularly for those who don’t always have access to the things they need.
Unhoused residents and lower-income individuals often have to make tough choices about what to spend money on, and period products don’t always make the cut. That’s where local outreach groups are stepping in, offering support that goes beyond just handing out supplies.
One initiative focuses on providing overnight pads and other essentials to people who might not have a stable place to stay. Because when you don’t know where you’re sleeping, the last thing you should have to worry about is where to find basic hygiene products.
Breaking the Stigma in Schools
Venice Beach’s impact isn’t just being felt on the boardwalk—it’s reaching local schools, too. Teachers, parents, and student-led groups are all advocating for better access to period products on campus, and it’s starting to pay off.
Some schools in the area are now offering free school supplies and hygiene products in easily accessible locations, so students don’t have to feel awkward about asking for them. Others are focusing on education, making sure students of all genders understand that periods are just a normal part of life.
For students, this shift is huge. No one should have to miss class because they didn’t have a pad or tampon. By making these products available and talking about them openly, Venice Beach schools are helping erase the shame and stigma that so many people have dealt with for way too long.
The Ripple Effect
What’s happening in Venice Beach isn’t just staying in Venice Beach. Other cities are starting to take notice, and the conversation about period inclusivity is getting louder. The message is simple: when communities make period care accessible, everyone benefits.
Venice Beach has always been ahead of the curve, and this is no exception. The energy here isn’t just about surfing and self-expression—it’s about making real changes that actually matter. By treating menstrual care like the basic necessity that it is, this community is setting a new standard, one that others are already starting to follow.
And honestly, it’s about time.
