The Real Horror: Period Stigma Still Haunts Us
As part of our Periods Unmasked campaign, we’re shining a light on the real horrors that surround menstruation—the silence, the stigma, and the shame that still keep too many people from accessing the products and care they need. While fake blood flows freely on Halloween, period blood remains hidden in the shadows. But it’s time for that to change.
At Bloody Good Period, our Community Ambassadors are leading the change to break down these barriers, sharing their experiences to normalise conversations about periods and reclaim the narrative around menstruation. Their insights offer not only encouragement but also practical tips for fostering open dialogue and ending the stigma that too often surrounds periods.
Read on to discover their insights on the importance of open conversations and tips for normalising conversations about periods.
1. Periods are natural and beautiful
Periods should be seen as a part of everyday life and something to celebrate:
"For me, I don’t have to be ashamed about my period, because it is what many women and adults go through”— Nneka
"Don’t be scared or feel embarrassed when someone tells you that they can see blood on your clothes. [...] Periods are beautiful because it is the best way to multiply on this planet, for us to exist."— Angela
Watch Sandra’s Story
2. Guide others through open dialogue
It is so important for us to talk about menstruation openly, because sharing knowledge enables us to support and learn from one another:
“I share what I have learned from Bloody Good Period with others to open up conversations about periods. Now my friends come and talk to me if they are worried about anything. My friend told me her daughter was bleeding 3-4 times a month - I advised her to go speak to a GP and she did.”— Sandra
“Learning to talk about periods helped me. I used to be shy, but when I embraced talking about periods, I realised that mine weren’t normal. They were painful and really heavy. Talking made me more aware of my body and how my periods have changed over time.”— Ruth
Watch Trish’s Story
3. Normalise Conversations with Family and Friends
Starting discussions with family and friends is key to breaking down taboos, and it is important for all genders to learn about menstruation:
“My children are too young to really understand periods, but when they can, I will talk to my boys the same way as the girls. It is important that everyone learns.”— Cat
Here is an example of how you can kick off a conversation:
“I start by sharing my own experience to bring my friend in. For example, I may say “I am on my period, it is so heavy but I am so happy that I am not using the right products and know where to get more”, then I may ask ‘how is yours? Do you have a heavy flow?’”— Trish
4. Overcoming Shame and Building Confidence
Having opportunities to talk with others about menstruation has the power to transform shame to confidence:
“If someone told me that they were embarrassed to talk about periods, then I would say that I used to be like you. I was so shy, so afraid [...] At that time if people spoke about periods, I would leave the conversation. I didn’t want to talk about it. Bloody Good Period has opened my eyes and given me the confidence to talk about periods. Every time we meet, I get more confident and the fear disappears. I would now say to anyone embarrassed to talk about periods, be proud of yourself. Be proud of your period.”— Cat
"There is a lot of stigma around periods, but I see them as normal and natural. I grew up with periods being something that is not easy to talk about but now I am confident about sharing and talking about periods."— Sandra
Watch Cat’s story
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