Queer periods: attitudes toward and experiences with menstruation in the masculine of centre and transgender community

• Published in: Culture, health & sexuality Vol. 18; no. 11; pp. 1238 - 1250
• Main Authors: Chrisler, Joan C., Gorman, Jennifer A., Manion, Jen, Murgo, Michael, Barney, Angela, Adams-Clark, Alexis, Newton, Jessica R., McGrath, Meaghan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis 01.11.2016; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Adult; Attitude surveys; Attitude to Health; attitudes toward menstruation; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Male; menstrual suppression; Menstruation; Menstruation - psychology; Ovulation Inhibition - physiology; reproductive health; Surveys and Questionnaires; Transgender persons; Transgender Persons - psychology; Transgender; attitudes toward menstruation; menstrual suppression; reproductive health; menstruation
• ISSN: 1369-1058; 1464-5351
• DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2016.1182645

Menstruation has long been viewed as an important aspect of women's health. However, scholars and healthcare providers have only recently begun to recognise that transgender men and people with masculine gender identities also menstruate, thus little is known about their attitudes toward and experiences with menstruation. A sample of masculine of centre and transgender individuals with a mean age of 30 years was recruited online to complete measures of attitudes toward menstruation and menstrual suppression and to answer exploratory questions about their experiences managing menstruation. Participants reported mixed attitudes toward menstruation, but generally positive attitudes toward menstrual suppression. Many participants said that they try to avoid public restrooms during menstruation because of practical and psychological concerns. Implications of our findings for the transgender health are discussed.