Trans artist helps break down period stigma with bold post

“Getting your period while not identifying as a woman can feel like a monthly battle both with your own body and with a world that continuously tells you that your identity isn’t real”

The subject of periods is becoming increasingly less taboo. But something that isn’t talked about enough is people who don’t identify as women but still menstruate.

And one artist is trying to change that.

Cass Clemmer has shared a bold post on Facebook reminding us that periods aren’t something that only women have to deal with.

Like many transgender and non-binary people, Clemmer prefers to be referred to using they/them pronouns.

Being on your period is never particularly fun, but Clemmer is reminding us all that the experience can be especially difficult for those who don’t identify as a woman.

Clemmer says they struggle with severe gender dysphoria every time they get their period: “I end up going exclusively into women’s restrooms because it’s honestly safer during the days I'm bleeding.”

Along with their bold image, Clemmer wrote a poem about their first period.

They hope the post will encourage people to stop seeing periods as solely something women have to deal with.

“Getting your period while not identifying as a woman can feel like a monthly battle both with your own body and with a world that continuously tells you that your identity isn’t real,” Clemmer told Metro.

“I also specifically wanted to share the #bleedingwhiletrans photo to help people start thinking about the very real access and safety issues we face when we menstruate, including bathroom use, access to period products, fear of being outed due to leaks, and the lack of disposable bins in men’s restrooms for our used products.”

Clemmer describes themself as an activist in the menstrual health space and has created a character called Toni the Tampon which aims to help break down the stigma around periods.

“I hope Toni the Tampon will serve as a fun and humorous jumping off point to help us talk about periods free of stigma and taboo, while also recognising the diversity within the community of those who menstruate,” Clemmer says.

“I dream of a day when we are able to talk about our periods without being worried about who is overhearing us or feel like we’re discussing something dirty.”