GABRIELLE UNION IS GOING THERE

THE ACTRESS AND ADVOCATE OPENS UP ABOUT MENSTRUATION, MENOPAUSE AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN WITH A POWERFUL NEW CAMPAIGN

- BRITTANY TALARICO

Gabrielle Union has built a platform on transparency; whether sharing her surrogacy journey or opening up about Black hair discrimination, the 51-year-old is on a mission to break down stigmas. And now she's taking on women's health as the new global ambassador for the intimate-apparel company Knix because, as she tells People, "hoarding information is not helpful to anyone." Here she talks about getting her first period, living her best life in her 50s and more.

Why did you want to work with Knix?

I want open communication, love, acceptance, resources and answers at every stage, not just when I'm young and shiny. We need brands that are going to grow with us as our bodies change. You might discover that you have adenomyosis, endometriosis, fibroids, cysts or those crazy periods that feel like hemorrhages. Nobody talks about when you go into perimenopause and your periods are, like, 30 days. But Knix does. They're with you from 13 to menopause and beyond with leakproof products that provide comfort.

Did you grow up in a house that talked about periods?