Let's All Celebrate Menstruation

I am the Puberty Librarian. I am the Period Lady. I’m the patron saint of library menstruators. If I had $1 for every time a coworker said “I think of you every time I get a tampon from the staff bathroom,” I’d be able to pay both my kiddos’ college tuition. I have a brand and a reputation, and I accept it proudly. Sometimes, it gets burdensome because I’m a librarian that contains multitudes, doggoneit! I make jewelry. I’m learning to read Korean. I’m studying philosophy. Then, I remember that period poverty and menstrual equity is still a worldwide issue. If the thought of me inspires folks to donate maxi pads to people in need, then I can live with that association. 

Menstrual Equity (or Period Equity) means removing barriers for menstruators to receive comprehensive and accurate information about menstrual and reproductive health; to get period protection products; and diminishing the stigma around menstruation. Menstrual Hygiene Day (MHD) was created to tackle this problem. Every May 28, MHD encourages people of all genders to break the taboo around periods and to end period bullying. 

You can lend your voice to the fight by:

• Donating packages of maxi pads, tampons, menstrual cups and reusable period panties to local food pantries, family shelters, or to the Cycle Alliance Period Pantry at the Central Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library. 
• Make a “Period Bracelet” using 28 white pony beads and 5 red pony beads, and publish your bracelet picture on your social media channels with the hashtags #MHDay2023 and #EndPeriodStigma. (Tag @BklynFuture and @menstrualhygieneday on Instagram or  @mhday28may and @BklynLibrary on Twitter.) 
• Not feeling crafty? Visit https://menstrualhygieneday.org/materials/addyourvoice/ to get gifs and illustrations of the Period Bracelet to post on your socials.