Forget what you think you know about menstruation. This Pride Month, we're challenging the narrow perception that it's only a woman's issue and celebrating the diverse experiences of all who menstruate.

At Saathi, our mission has always been to make periods better for everyone. That commitment extends to all menstruators, regardless of gender identity. It's about ensuring comfort, dignity, and sustainable choices for everybody. 

Understanding this broader truth is about fostering genuine empathy, creating equal opportunities & healthcare, and designing truly inclusive products and spaces for everyone.

Menstruation Beyond Gender: It's About Biology, Not Gender Identity

At its core, menstruation is a biological process. It's linked to the presence of a uterus and the periodical fluctuations of specific hormones. It is not tied to one's gender identity. This fundamental distinction is key to understanding why ‘menstruator’ is a more accurate and inclusive term than simply women when discussing periods.

Transgender Men and Non-Binary Individuals Menstruate Too

For many transgender men who were assigned female at birth, their reproductive organs remain intact. Consequently, they continue to experience periods, which can be a source of significant gender dysphoria and discomfort. Similarly, non-binary individuals, whose gender identity falls outside the traditional male/female binary, may also menstruate if they have a uterus. Acknowledging their experiences is important for creating inclusive spaces and conversations around menstruation.

The Indian Context: A Call for Menstrual Justice

A stark reality, particularly in India, is the notable lack of research and policies on menstrual justice for transgender individuals. Most of the studies exclusively discussed menstruation concerning women and girls. In India, there were around 4,87,000 transgender people according to the 2011 Census. Given that transgender people only received legal recognition in 2014, this number is generally thought to be less than the actual amount. Despite this, there isn't much public or commercial awareness of the importance of acknowledging transgender people's menstrual needs. 

Saathi's Commitment: Honoring Stories, Sparking Conversations

“It is a really loving community, and I hope people understand that we're not some different people. We're just like them! Together, we can all be a very accepting and a supportive society.” - Aarya, Pune.

 In honor of Pride Month, and recognizing this vital gap, we at Saathi felt it was crucial to create a platform for authentic voices. We are incredibly honored that a few brave individuals from the LGBTQ+ community stepped forward to share their personal stories and experiences with us. We've compiled these powerful narratives for you to watch to raise awareness and to start meaningful conversations in your community about truly inclusive menstrual care. IG LINK

Furthermore, we have a heartwarming story about true friendship. You’ll see how powerful a single voice can be and how to be an ally. Keep an eye out for this story where inspiration drawn from someone else's actions can drive you to shape your perspectives and grow. LINK

Keep Learning: More Resources on Inclusivity & Periods

Want to keep the learning going? We've got more where that came from! Think of these as your go-to guides for understanding more about inclusivity and periods. Give them a read: you might just learn something new!

• The Diverse Rainbows of the LGBTQIA+ Community: Ever wondered what all those beautiful Pride flags mean, or about the history of LGBTQIA+ rights right here in India? This blog is a great start.

• Menstruation Not Just a Female Issue: If the idea of 'menstruation beyond gender' is new to you, this piece explains exactly why it's so important and offers simple ways to make your language and discussions around periods more inclusive for everyone.

• LGBTQ+ Athletes Overcoming Prejudice: Get inspired by the resilience of LGBTQIA+ athletes! This blog highlights the struggles they've faced and why a more inclusive sporting world benefits us all.

Conclusion: Listen, Learn, and Include All

At Saathi, our commitment to improving periods for every body-you, your body, and our planet- is unwavering. We truly believe that by challenging old assumptions and embracing the full spectrum of menstruators, we can build a world where everyone feels respected and has access to healthy, sustainable choices. These stories are an invitation. Let them spark conversations in your community as we continue these vital dialogues together. Happy Pride!