Times are certainly changing.
A transgender male model named Kenny Jones, 23, is featured in a new campaign launched to battle so-called “period stigma.”
Jones, a biological female who identifies as a man, talks about her period on camera for U.K.-based Pink Parcel’s “I’m On” campaign. According to BET.com, proceeds from the campaign’s merchandise will go toward menstrual health products for refugees and asylum seekers.
Due to her transition, Jones no longer menstruates. But she describes how first getting her period at age 15 was a harsh reminder that she’s female.
“Four days of the month with me acting awkward,” Jones told BET, “attempting to [hide out] in my bedroom, or coming up with creative ways to ditch pads in public, as I used the men’s bathroom which didn’t have sanitary bins. I’d often use the disabled toilet. That would often raise more questions.”
The model says the campaign aligns with her “personal philiosophy.”
“I believe to evolve as human beings we must be provided with valuable knowledge by the generation before us. The ‘I’m On’ campaign is an attempt to break down stigma and innovate conversation behind a ‘taboo’ subject. Conversation causes curiosity which leads to knowledge and knowledge is power,” she said.
Jones said she’s been surprised by pushback she’s received, which has come mostly from biological females and transgender men, mostly because she no longer menstruates or identifies as female.
“Would you have an issue with a woman who has been through menopause talking about periods? Or an assault victim talking about a previous attack? Just because I identify as male and no longer have periods does not mean I cannot discuss it,” she said. “I will not be discouraged by negativity when my intentions are clean,”
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