Destigmatizing Periods: An Intergenerational Conversation

When my aunt, Desiree, was 11 years old when she first got her cycle. At that time, she thought menstrual cycles were disgusting. Seeing her older sister get her period was also uncomfortable to her, because she did not want to experience the same cramps, pain, blood, and messiness that she saw her sister going through. My aunt’s mother told her that menstruation was part of becoming a woman, and that she would eventually get it some time in her life. She never received a full conversation about menstrual cycles from her mom, and was left to figure it out on her own. 

Desiree wishes she knew prior to getting her period that it was not a bad thing, but a natural thing. Her sister, once Desiree got her period, taught her how to put on a pad and how to change her underwear. Her mom didn’t really do anything to help her besides freak out at most times, or just say “It’s a part of becoming a woman sweetie.” Desiree was told that when you transition into becoming a woman, she will develop “woman” features like breasts, and hormonal changes. One of the few things my aunt learned about periods from her mom was how to wash blood out of her underwear using cold water or vinegar. However, this trick only works when the blood stains are fresh. 

After hearing about my participation in the Cycle Alliance, my aunt donated many pads and tampons for our menstrual product drive. Since she had access to pads growing up, Desiree feels that all menstruators should have the opportunity to have access to products as well. Without pads, tampons, menstrual cups and other other period products, women may feel dirty without the proper products to protect their clothes. My aunt believes it should be a human right for all women to have feminine hygiene products. 

Thanks to my aunt, nearly 200 period kits will be given away to those in need on Saturday, April 16 at 11 a.m. For more information on our menstrual product giveaway, visit https://www.bklynlibrary.org/calendar/pink-moon-celebration-central-library-plaza-20220416

(Editor's Note: The Cycle Alliance is a hybrid teen program that combines virtual workshops and in-person service to destigmatize menstruation; combat period poverty; and empower teens to advocate for social causes. Teens of all genders are encouraged to apply as volunteers. https://www.bklynlibrary.org/event-series/cycle-alliance)