In school, health teachers probably taught that cisgender women, and only cisgender women, can get their periods. But, this is simply not the case. Over time, the genderization of periods has led to the discrimination and exclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals. However, by encouraging open and gender-neutral dialogue around menstruation, you can help educate yourself and others on the reality: all genders can have periods.
Though often considered taboo, talking about reproductive health is important for all individuals, especially those who menstruate. Whether youâre an ally or a member of the LGBTQ community, you have the right to proper care. You also have the power to shift the dialogue so that itâs inclusive of all those who menstruate.
Who Gets Their Period?
The simple answer to this question is people get their periods! While gender is rooted in personal identity, menstruation is about your reproductive system. As long as you have a functioning uterus and vagina, you may experience your period. That said, cisgender women, transgender men, agendered, intersex, gender-fluid, and non-binary individuals can all get their periods.
Remember, though, each individual has a different relationship with their period. While most cisgender women expect their periods, menstruation can be physically and mentally uncomfortable for those outside of the gender binary. For instance, transgender males may experience pain when using tampons or menstrual cups, as hormone treatments can cause vaginal inflammation. Or, they may experience heightened , which is distress that results when an individual feels a disconnect between their gender identity and assigned sex.
How Can People Who Menstruate Access Proper Care?
For members of the LGBTQ community, gaining can be difficult. Denial of care and barriers to adequate insurance have led many to postpone or even avoid care altogether out of fear of judgement or rejection. However, itâs important for these individuals to feel supported and comfortable when seeking care. Anyone who menstruates, regardless of what gender they identify as, requires access to proper hygiene and period products.
Trans and non-binary individuals should have the right barrier-free support. They deserve to feel comfortable when talking about and tending to their reproductive health. Fortunately, there are in each state that are specially equipped to tend to their needs without judgement. Telehealth has also helped to bridge the gap to reproductive health care by offering a convenient and discreet way for individuals to order , , and other necessary reproductive care products without having to visit a doctor in person.
How Are Others Helping to Shift the Narrative?
Always announced it will remove the Venus symbol from its menstruation products packaging following calls by transgender advocates –
â NBC News (@NBCNews)
Individuals, companies, and the education system have already made huge strides to help the narrative around menstruation to be more gender-inclusive. In the UK, the recently issued guidelines urging sex ed teachers to take a period-positive and gender-neutral approach to teaching. The proposed program also encouraged local schools to provide bins for menstrual products in all restrooms to help reduce the stigma around menstruation, discussions around menstruation, and the gender binary.
Companies like and are also taking progressive steps to affirm and support trans and non-binary customers and employees. Most recently, the menstrual product brand Always announced they will be from its product packaging starting in December. In doing so, the company hoped to eliminate the belief that only women get periods. The choices helps them to challenge the stigma of menstruation and to be more inclusive of all who uses their products. Regardless of your identity, you should know that there are also inclusive brands who offer to support all individuals who menstruate.
In 2017, transgender artist and menstral health advocate took to Instagram to spark conversation around period positivity and the fact that periods are not only for women. Using the hashtag #BleedingWhileTrans, they shared their candid experience dealing with their period as someone who does not identify as a woman. The image quickly became viral and helped to start an open dialogue around healthy menstruation for everyone.
How Can I Help Shift the Narrative?
Historically, sexual minorities have been excluded from the conversation around menstruation. However, denying or invalidating othersâ needs can have serious negative and alienating consequences on their wellbeing. Including the health needs of LGBT individuals in conversations around periods will help everyone participate in the conversation and even improve access to proper reproductive care.
In shifting the narrative, you must not only be period-positive, but also gender inclusive in your approach. You can do this by changing the language you use around menstruation and . For instance, instead of saying âwomen and girlsâ, you can say âpeople who menstruateâ. Though this may seem awkward at first, using non-gendered terms is more accurate. It also helps ensure all who menstruate are included in the conversation.
Encouraging open dialogue around menstruation is the best way to break down existing stigmas and prevent misinformation. While the fight for progress persists, we can each play a role in educating ourselves and others. It’s on all of us to shift the narrative. All genders can get periods.
Disclosure: This blog post was written in collaboration with hers but all thoughts and opinions are my own.