Lynn Whitfield, Big Freedia, Rebecca Black and Paulina Rubio join Planned Parenthood’s “Be Seen” Campaign to Send A Message to the Younger Black and Latinx Generation: We See You
For Immediate Release: April 27, 2021
New campaign will launch in Atlanta, Detroit, Miami, Orlando, and Philadelphia, with voicemails and videos from artists running on Spotify, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, and more
New York, NY — Planned Parenthood joins Emmy-winning actor Lynn Whitfield and musicians Big Freedia, Rebecca Black, and Paulina Rubio to launch a campaign for Black and Latinx young adults with a clear message: "We See You.” At Planned Parenthood, we see you — the whole you — no matter who you are, how you identify, or where you come from. We're proud to help you live fully, come into your own, and become all you can and will be.
The “Be Seen” campaign is launching in Atlanta, Detroit, Miami, Orlando, and Philadelphia, and comes to life through audio spots from artists Rebecca Black, Big Freedia, and Paulina Rubio, and a documentary-style video series featuring a voiceover by Lynn Whitfield that follows the lives of four inspiring young people, as they move through life with confidence and joy. The campaign will appear on Spotify, Pandora, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, YouTube, and favorite podcasts using video and audio ads.
“Be Seen” is directed toward a younger generation who know the services Planned Parenthood provides, but not the values Planned Parenthood stands for. By defining and demonstrating its values, Planned Parenthood hopes to illuminate the inextricable link between sexual and reproductive health care and racial justice, gun safety, climate change and LGBTQ+ and immigrants’ rights – core issues that are important to a younger generation.
You can view the campaign at beseen.org.
“Be Seen” also calls on young adults to share encouraging "I see you" voicemail messages to others in their community, or to share what in their lives have made them feel seen. You can leave a voicemail by calling 1-888-BE-SEEN1.
Statement from Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America:
At Planned Parenthood, we see young people for their whole selves — their passions, their identities, their dreams. We provide sexual and reproductive care to support the life they envision for themselves.
“We know that access to health care is the foundation for social change — because when care is limited, so is your potential. When you feel seen, you have full control over your decisions and your body. You can fight for what you're passionate about. You can create the society you wish to see. You can help your community. You can just live and be.
“Every person deserves high quality, compassionate health care. Every person deserves information and education about their health and sexuality to best decide how to care for themselves. Every person deserves that foundation. This campaign is designed to support young adults and say, no matter what the world says: We see you — the whole you. And you are worthy of care, respect, and support.
“I am so grateful for the work that Planned Parenthood does. Sexual and reproductive care are a major part of general health care for your body, and access should always be available to all. Everyone has the right to the care they need. The Be Seen campaign targets younger people and it's so important that they receive education and information about how best to care for themselves so they can make informed decisions.” — Paulina Rubio
"Planned Parenthood is such an important resource for women. Planned Parenthood helps to address and dissolve a deficiency in our healthcare system. Women need to BE SEEN, as too often we are overlooked." — Lynn Whitfield
“I am excited to be part of this campaign with Planned Parenthood, which brings much-needed focus, information, and care to the younger Black and Brown generation, especially during this unprecedented time in history.” — Big Freedia
“I am a huge believer in Planned Parenthood’s mission. When people feel supported and informed about their physical, emotional and sexual well-being, the chance of living a healthy life becomes so much more possible." — Rebecca Black
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You can view the video HERE.
As the global pandemic and protests of the past year mark a watershed moment — especially for young adults — "Be Seen" highlights why care for your body is so important, not just to become all you could be, but to help our world fully become what it could be too. Dual public health crises of racism and an unrelenting pandemic have widened and illuminated the inequities long faced by millions of people in this country — people accustomed to going unseen. For Black and Brown people — too often ignored or mistreated by those meant to provide care — even hopeful events like the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and the beginning of a new administration are tinged with mistrust.
Planned Parenthood has a strong presence in many of the communities hit hardest by racist violence and the pandemic's death toll. Planned Parenthood stands with the patients and communities it serves, and that means validating and celebrating the fullness, resilience, and power of the people who rely on its health centers for care.
Visit beseen.org to learn more about the campaign and call 1-888-BE-SEEN1 to remind someone you see them.
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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health care for all people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect, and without judgment, striving to create equitable access to health care. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable education and information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives. Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports the independently incorporated Planned Parenthood affiliates operating health centers across the U.S.