We’re currently in a health care crisis. It’s Pride Month. All people need health care. Period.
Health care access
Medical providers shouldn’t be turning people away. More importantly, the government shouldn’t be giving them any excuses to do so either. Medical professionals serve the people. When they choose that field, they need to know that “the people” means every. single. person. You can’t pick and choose who you wish to care for when you have the resources and opportunity to provide for everyone.
The Trump Administration finalized a law that removed discrimination protections for transgender patients from doctors, hospitals, and health insurance companies on Friday. Mind you, last Friday was the four-year anniversary of the shooting at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando. And it’s the middle of Pride Month. Really?
Navigating the health care system is already a nightmare. Access to healthcare is more important than ever during a pandemic. We need better. America deserves better.
Menstruation isn’t defined by gender
I’m not going to spend too much time discussing the J.K. Rowling issue. I suggest you do your own research. This NYT article is a good place to start. I will say that I sympathize with her experiences with sexual assault and her wish to identify and fight as a woman. But, that shouldn’t be a way to justify transphobia.
Acknowledging that all genders can menstruate does not take away from the female experience. Not all women menstruate; not all menstruators are women. Just because a woman doesn’t menstruate doesn’t mean she’s any less of a woman. A person who doesn’t identify as a woman may have the biological anatomy that will menstruate. That’s okay too.
Gender-neutral branding
Gender-neutral branding can exist, even in industries that are primarily female based. Not all females relate to all things pink. I know I definitely don’t – and really didn’t as a kid. Making menstrual products that can cater to anyone and any personality is not only smart as a brand – but financially too. Making your branding more inclusive will allow more people to relate and love you as a company. Here are three menstrual brands doing a pretty good job at this.
Thinx:
Thinx is a gender-neutral and sustainable brand. They advocate for equal access to menstrual hygiene and incontinence products, proper puberty education, and menstrual equity. They also aren’t afraid to make mistakes and improve.
The Flex Company:
I’m a complete convert to menstrual discs. I’ve officially donated my last tampons and maxi pads to I Support the Girls. Flex does a great job of having inclusive messaging and images that make sure everyone feels included and thought of.
Aunt Flow:
This company set out to make menstrual products available to everyone. They are careful in their language as they promote access to products without synthetics, chemicals, and dyes at businesses, schools, and hotels.