A Deep Dive into the Truth about Periods
There are 1.8 billion menstruators in the world, many of whom feel the heavyweight of social stigmatization because of their cycle. There have been some measures taken to alleviate this burden but the fight is far from over. For example, some social media influencers, such as Lilly Singh, have attempted to raise awareness of global period poverty by donating to organizations like Days for Girls. Even sustainable period products have become popularized and more people are starting to opt for environmentally friendly options to manage their periods. However, despite the increase in newfound knowledge about menstruation, we have yet to expand our advocacy to include all who menstruate, and even some who don’t.
Periods have long been recognized as an intrinsic part of womanhood and an identifying characteristic of the female experience. However, as we move towards a more inclusive menstrual movement it is important to recognize the communities that are being excluded from our advocacy. We must finally confront the fact that:
Cis-women are not the only demographic that menstruates.
The perpetuation of the idea that menstruation is a female experience can exacerbate feelings of gender dysphoria for menstruators who do not identify as female. Gender dysphoria is defined as the sense of unease that a person may have because of a mismatch between their biological sex and their gender identity. The gendering of menstruation can greatly amplify these feelings of unease and discomfort for those who suffer from gender dysphoria, which can lead to feelings of depression or anxiety.
(Non)-Menstruators Part 1: Who and Why?
Even though periods are not confined to a single gender, mainstream society continues to associate periods and period products with femininity. This is highly evident in the stereotypical “girly” packaging these products come in.
Firstly, the experience of cis-women who don’t menstruate is rarely acknowledged. Many women and girls even choose to lie about their periods to fit into the normative experience of the female sex. Globally, a myriad of cultures even see women who do not menstruate as “less worthy” as a wife, a mother, and of marriage. Such mentalities are bound to be inherited, making many women’s self-esteem and self-worth deteriorate rapidly.
Secondly, the gendering of menstruation can make trans-women who do not menstruate harbor feelings about their further alienation from other women. While they identify as a woman, many trans-women are forced to confront the fact that they are not experiencing a phenomenon that is widely regarded as a feminine experience. Their gender dysphoria may even heighten, causing them to question their gender identity more so than before.
Lastly, while we have seen examples of women who do not menstruate, we also have to take into consideration the experience of trans-men who do menstruate. Many trans-men who menstruate face the threat of being outed by other men, who may target them for violence. Rampant transphobia can put trans men at great risk, especially in washrooms. Many trans-men are even afraid of using period sanitary products because of the risk of not being able to conceal the loud and distinct packaging due to improper methods of disposal in men’s washrooms. Additionally, the association of menstruation to femininity may exacerbate their gender dysphoria.
People who deviate from the gender binary are already placed in more proximity to violence, both emotionally and physically. The discriminatory parameters society has placed around the experience of menstruation only further marginalizes people of the trans experience.
What can we learn from the experiences of people with untraditional menstrual experiences? And what can we do for those who don’t conform to societal standards of being a female?
These questions have become the fundamental basis of many people’s activism as they work towards a more inclusive society. It is important that we take into consideration these same questions, and attempt to weave them into our daily activities. Even the smallest actions can make the biggest difference. Being open and supportive of the placement of sanitary products and proper disposal methods in male washrooms can be a start. Encouraging people to change their attitudes towards menstruation can also go a long way when it comes to changing societal notions about periods. But ultimately, understanding the genderless nature of menstruation is most important to make the menstrual movement more inclusive.
The lack of awareness about the wide demographic of menstruators has undeniably led to my own lack of inclusivity. The inadequacy in my own knowledge leads me to question my true position in society as both a feminist and an activist. It was only until recently that I understood the injustices of marginalized menstruators and how society has muted their experiences. I now understand that it is my responsibility as both a feminist and an activist to understand and acknowledge the experiences of all menstruators and advocate for their stories to be heard.
(Non)-Menstruators Part 2: What can we do?
For starters, non-menstruators should educate themselves about the experience of menstruation and actively unpack the biases learned through society’s gendered outlook on this biological process. This will form the foundation when it comes to building a society that is accepting, inclusive, and empowering for all.
As an advocate, we should all attempt to create global awareness of all of the different menstrual experiences. We should aim to bring awareness to specific aspects of period sanitation such as the need for more discreet packaging along with proper disposal methods in men’s washrooms. Our shared goal should be to empower this demographic.
Simultaneously, we should learn to avoid the gatekeeping of genders. While we may learn to recognize that gender fluidity and transgenderism exist, we also have to acknowledge that there is no singular and ubiquitous definition of womanhood or manhood. And ultimately gather a consensus that vaginas and periods are not synonymous with womanhood.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, one’s gender should not be decided by a third-party viewer nor should it be determined by your ability to menstruate. Gender and menstruation intersect more often than we wish to believe. Through further education and advocacy, we will hopefully achieve full acceptance of all menstrual experiences, regardless of gender.
