A friend recently shared a meme that caught my attention: “Hey guys, if you’re embarrassed about buying tampons, remember that no one thinks they’re for you.” Really? Who cares if they do?
I had a lot to say in response, but settled for a simple reminder: some men do menstruate. This is a reality that should be acknowledged. Shortly after my comment, an anonymous user chimed in, suggesting that my inclusion of transgender men and nonbinary individuals in discussions about menstruation wasn’t necessary for “every single period post.” They argued that periods are mostly a female experience, implying that my comment was just a distraction from the main topic.
Here’s the thing: while it’s true that more cisgender women get periods, menstruation isn’t exclusive to them. Men need to confront the outdated stigma surrounding menstruation—that it’s gross or a sign of weakness. We must recognize and accept that some men bleed, and there’s nothing embarrassing about it. The meme wasn’t directed specifically at women. It was a call for men to mature and stop being judgmental when purchasing menstrual products.
The Need for Inclusion
The need for this conversation is crucial. We need to include transgender men and nonbinary individuals when discussing menstruation. Additionally, cisgender men must work to dismantle their discomfort surrounding feminine topics. When I teach about LGBTQ issues, I often notice that straight, cis men tend to shy away from discussions about queer topics, fearing they might be judged. This discomfort stems from a culture that has instilled toxic masculinity, teaching boys that expressing emotions or embracing femininity is unacceptable.
Being a man isn’t just about having male anatomy; it can also encompass experiencing a period. So, to the commenter who didn’t understand, this meme was not exclusive to women. Even if more cis women experience menstruation, that doesn’t justify excluding non-cis individuals from the conversation.
Understanding the Impact
For transgender men and nonbinary individuals, menstruation can be particularly distressing. The physical symptoms—bloating, cramping, and the reminder of body dysphoria—can worsen feelings of depression and low self-worth. Until all voices are included in this dialogue, I’ll continue to assert my presence in these discussions.
And let’s not forget about transgender women who may feel sorrow over not experiencing periods. The message should be clear: it’s okay if someone assumes the tampons you’re buying are for you. Menstruation does not diminish masculinity, and there is no shame in the human body.
Encouraging Acceptance
We should encourage boys to buy menstrual supplies for those who need them and remind them that it’s perfectly acceptable if they require them too. I attempted to communicate this to the individual who disagreed with me, but they responded dismissively, saying, “I’m unmoved by your point of view.” That’s unfortunate, because just like a tampon, it’s essential to change outdated opinions before they cause harm to yourself or others.
Conclusion
In summary, it’s vital to normalize the conversation around menstruation to include all individuals—regardless of gender identity. Recognizing that some men experience periods can help dismantle harmful stereotypes and promote understanding.
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Keyphrase: Menstruation and Gender Identity
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