Valeria Tokun Haga/Vaquero Radio
The mission of the Intersectional Feminist Student Organization (IFSO) is to fight against period poverty by distributing free menstrual products across campus, aiming to restore dignity and improve access to basic necessities.
Founder of IFSO Kylie Torres said the organization has been around since the legacy institution University of Texas Pan American. Torres added providing free menstrual products is a good deed.
“It’s imperative that we provide these products,” she said. “People shouldn’t have to lose their dignity just because they can’t afford hygiene products.”
In addition to menstrual products, IFSO also distributes free condoms and emergency contraception, such as Plan B, as part of its broader commitment to reproductive justice and sexual health.
The work is deeply personal for her, rooted in lived experience. Torres has faced serious reproductive health challenges, including abnormal menses and an ovarian tumor, which required multiple surgeries.
“I’ve bled for six months, I’ve bled for 12 months, I’ve bled heavily through a tampon and a pad, I’ve had multiple gynecological surgeries,” she said. “Even while distributing, I was bleeding out. And it gave me a passion because I have a passion for reproductive justice.”
Her motivation became the fuel for IFSO’s End Period Poverty campaign, which focuses on more than just products—it also highlights the lack of facilities and education related to menstrual health.
“Period poverty is the inaccessibility to hygiene facilities, products and education,” Torres said.
Still, the journey hasn’t been easy. Torres noted the emotional highs and lows of her advocacy work, including online engagement.
“I’ve had a lot of good ones, like 500 comments,” she said. “But I’ve also had that hate comment the other day that said I made it my entire personality and I embraced it.”
Despite criticism, Torres and her co-founder Ximena Ruiz continue to grow IFSO’s presence. Weekly meetings are held Thursdays in Edinburg and Brownsville.
This is Valeria Tokun Haga for Vaquero Radio.
