Period Pride

The 'Period Pride' episode of 'Stuff Mom Never Told You' podcast, hosted by Kristen and Caroline, embarks on a journey to explore the evolving conversation around menstruation and the burgeoning movement of period pride. The episode opens with a disclaimer for listeners who might be uncomfortable with menstrual discussions, humorously noting that the episode is not about punctuation. The hosts discuss the history of period pride, referencing radical feminist Germaine Greer's provocative stance in her 1970 book 'The Female Eunuch' and the more inclusive message of 'Our Bodies Ourselves' from 1971. They highlight how these works advocated for a deeper acceptance and understanding of one's body and its natural processes.

The narrative then shifts to recent years, where the period pride movement has gained momentum, particularly on the Internet. The hosts recount several pivotal moments that have contributed to this trend, such as the viral 'Camp Gyno' commercial from HelloFlo in 2013, which openly celebrated menarche, and the parody period rap video 'Shark Week' by the feminist rap trio **** *** Academy. These examples showcase a shift towards a frank and unashamed discourse on menstruation in popular media. The hosts also discuss the controversial American Apparel t-shirt featuring Petra Collins' menstruation-themed illustration, which sparked debates on the representation of menstrual blood in public spaces.

The episode continues with an examination of social media's role in the period pride movement, particularly through Instagram's censorship and subsequent apology for removing artist Ruby Kaur's menstruation photo. This incident, according to the hosts, marks a significant moment in challenging the stigmatization of periods. They also delve into the #LiveTweetYourPeriod hashtag, which encourages people to share their menstrual experiences openly and humorously on Twitter, further normalizing menstruation and challenging the notion that it is something to be concealed.

Throughout the episode, Kristen and Caroline intersperse personal anecdotes and reflections on their own experiences with menstruation and contraception, adding a relatable and intimate layer to the conversation. They acknowledge the complexity of period pride, considering the perspectives of those who may not menstruate, such as postmenopausal women, trans women, and trans men, emphasizing that menstruation is not the sole defining feature of womanhood.