Sierra Nesbit’s mom bought her a bag to hide tampons while Nesbit attended middle school.
The UF women’s studies sophomore said she thought hiding periods was normal but learned otherwise in high school. Nesbit, 19, was one of about 40 students who discussed menstruation Wednesday night.
UF’s Women’s Student Association and Love, Period — a UF organization that discusses women’s issues — co-hosted the discussion, “Period Shaming: A Real Conversation about Menstruation.” The event included video presentations on cultural interpretations of periods, defining who menstruates and discussing taxes on tampons.
“Something that’s so natural shouldn’t be shamed,” Nesbit said.
At the beginning, students were asked the first words that came to mind when someone says “period.” Students answered words like “chocolate,” “moodiness,” and “red.” Students later broke out into small groups to share individual experiences with period shaming.
“I’m so glad we had this event because it goes under-discussed for so long,” said Daniella Gennaro, a UF women’s studies senior and president of WSA.
Sophia Serrao, 20, said she took comfort in sharing her story with others.
“My middle school math teacher wouldn’t let us leave to go to the bathroom, even if we had to change our pad,” the UF telecommunication junior said.
Students also talked about the luxury-item tax placed on tampons. California residents who menstruate pay $20.2 million in the tax yearly, according to the California State Assembly. Before this problem can be solved, Gennaro, 21, said the first step is cultivating a discussion to end period shaming.
“I think that the overall message would be just as your period is a natural cycle, the conversation about it should be very comfortable and natural too,” Gennaro said.
Contact Meryl Kornfield at mkornfield@alligator.org and follow her on Twitter @merylkornfield
UF Women's Student Association president Daniella Gennaro speaks to a room of about 20 people in Ustler Hall during an event titled "Period Shaming: A Real Conversation About Menstruation.” The 21-year-old finance and women's studies senior believes that combating period shaming starts with parents teaching their children the naturalness of a period.
