My period is nothing to be afraid of. It should go without saying, though obviously it doesn’t, that menstruation is a totally natural, healthy biological process, as normal as burping, sweating, peeing, shivering, or regrowing a toenail you slammed in that car door.
But periods, unlike those other bodily functions, are the unique province of the ladies, and that’s where it gets tricky. Historically, female bodies have been hidden, shamed, and ostracized for any capabilities they possess that male bodies do not. She’s bleeding! Quick, let’s put her in a tent until she stops! Only recently did feminine hygiene company Always release the first pad advertising campaign that featured blood instead of mysterious blue liquid. Breastfeeding in public is deemed controversial and in some cases, penalized. The word “vagina” was labeled indecorous on the Michigan congressional floor. Carefree recently caused an uproar when they used the word “discharge” to discuss discharge in their commercial. What objectively are amazing feats of evolution are routinely and repetitively construed as abnormal and unfit for delicate sensibilities.
In light of the constant “othering” of my body and its processes, I’m protective of my period. It is not something I ever want to be embarrassed about. It is not something I will ever apologize for, or make excuses for, or hide. It is simply my biology at its coolest, doing exactly what it is supposed to do, exactly when it’s supposed to do it.
—Emily Heist Moss (via imsostrungout)
(Source: alternet.org, via jaraconnell)
Lawmaker Barred After Vagina Comment
File under: this would be funny if it weren’t so fucking sad.
Michigan House Republicans prohibited state Rep. Lisa Brown (D) from speaking on the floor after she ended a speech against a bill restricting abortions by referencing her female anatomy, the Detroit News reports.
Said Brown: “Finally, Mr. Speaker, I’m flattered that you’re all so interested in my vagina, but ‘no’ means ‘no.’”
Republicans said Brown was “offensive” and wouldn’t allow her to voice her opinion on a school employee retirement bill.
Responded Brown: “If I can’t say the word vagina, why are we legislating vaginas? What language should I use?”So…. This happened.
The internet is responding by tweeting “VAGINA” or “VAGINAS” or any variation thereof to the Michigan House Republicans twitter @MIHouseRepublicans
(via elliottwdavis)
