The Center for Intimacy Justice is Tackling Facebook’s Censorship of Health Ads

This episode of the Busine$$ of the V features Jackie Rotman, CEO and founder of the Center for Intimacy Justice (CIJ), a social change organization committed to equity and wellbeing in people’s intimate lives. You’ll learn about how CIJ is helping to rewrite the rules in tech companies' ad policies to allow ads for female sexual health and wellness – which are systematically censored today. She also shares the story of her journey to advocacy in the “sextech” space and the results of a compelling new study.

Among other things, CIJ's recent study reveals that 100% of 60 companies with a female sexual wellness focus were denied the right to advertise on Facebook. Jackie explains how such discrimination impacts educators and economics alike, a subject about which both Dr. Dweck and Rachel have thoughts. The conversation also highlights long-standing assumptions about – and the more recent medicalization of – women’s sexual wellness and levels of sexual satisfaction.

 

You’ll hear an interesting anecdote about the censorship Dr. Dweck herself experienced when she was promoting her book, "V is for Vagina: Your A to Z Guide to Periods, Piercings, Pleasures, and so much more," due to its plain-spoken title and language. Activists like Jackie have been critical to opening up discussion and bringing pressure to bear around sexual intimacy justice and the myriad related issues CIJ plans to take on. Visit this link if you’d like to request a copy of CIJ’s fascinating report, donate or find out more about their work.

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