Being a Transgender Person Who Menstruates

On July 12, 2017, trans and non-binary artist, activist, and sex educator Cass Clemmer posted a photo of themselves free-bleeding. In the photo, they held a sign that read “Periods are not just for women #BleedingWhileTrans.” In this episode of the “Fix Your Period” podcast, they discuss that viral moment and their experience of menstruating.

For Clemmer, that moment was their coming out to many of their close friends and loved ones. In addition to losing some support from people they knew personally, they faced backlash, online attacks, and even threats of violence. Clemmer’s post made people uncomfortable because it addressed two stigmas: trans, non-binary, and gender-expansive people and menstruation.

Clemmer also addresses their personal experience of menstruating as a trans and non-binary person. When periods are celebrated, it's often as a feature of womanhood. But for Clemmer, menstruation brings gender dysphoria. As a trans and non-binary person navigating menstruation, Clemmer, and others, sometimes experience threats of violence and harassment. This interview includes discussion of where to find help through specific resources and in connecting with others.

I wanted people to start talking about the idea that not everyone that menstruates is a woman. Not everyone that menstruates identifies as a woman. And when we make that link, we engage in erasure that completely wipes out any of the experiences that people like me, and people like me in my community, have to face. There are very real barriers to menstruating while trans that I just wanted people to start engaging in conversations and being aware of.

SOURCE: Fix Your Period with Nicole Jardim • LAST UPDATED: November 3, 2020