Should women's menstrual products be free?

[DrLeftover]

NOTHING is "free".

 

[passenger]

NOTHING is "free".

"Every time someone gets something for nothing, someone else gets nothing for something." - Earthist

 

[~ True Legend ~]

It's not just women that menstruate btw. Some trans men menstruate and non binary people do too. Sure biologically they were assigned female at birth, but not everyone who has a uterus identifies as female. Anyways to answer the question at hand, yes menstrual products should absolutely be free.

Fair, but consider it from the viewpoint of a trans person who is very used to being on the 'outside' of most discussions. Sometimes it's reactionary to want or need to point out things that might seem obvious, but often get overlooked. It's not meant to be accusatory, it's just...an unfortunate side effect of trans life. Also to a trans man, for something of necessity to be called feminine is a bit of a slap in the face.

I've never really considered this perspective tbh, so thanks for sharing your viewpoints @PGen98 and @Ravenfreak . I think it's good to educate rather than assume that ppl know what trans ppl find offensive. I've known ppl like that in real life, and it was draining, trust me. I'm always open to learning new things but I don't like when ppl assume I should know something, because I feel like every person, including trans ppl, are entitled to their own views and outlooks and have different triggers. And also, having not been in a trans person's shoes it's difficult to know exactly what they're going through, so it's refreshing when someone takes the time to share their experience. So I appreciate you both having taken the time to share your viewpoint

Do you feel it is your duty to provide these explanations? I've seen them in a few other topics where a certain gender was mentioned.

I think trying to educate provides some with a sense of justice, is that right @Ravenfreak ? Feeling understood, especially by those we call our friends, is so important in life

I'd like to raise a counter-argument without invalidating your feelings and opinions - the sanitary products are stated as feminine products but they are not explicitly referred to as **BIOLOGICALLY** feminine products, so even if you are biologically a male and a product is referred to as feminine, you could still see your identity as feminine, yeah? I'm just trying to gain a better understanding of where you are coming from

 

[~ True Legend ~]

Also to a trans man, for something of necessity to be called feminine is a bit of a slap in the face.

Oh yeah, sorry I misread trans men as trans women. This makes sense. Separate post rather than an edit for clarity

 

[PGen98]

I'd like to raise a counter-argument without invalidating your feelings and opinions - the sanitary products are stated as feminine products but they are not explicitly referred to as **BIOLOGICALLY** feminine products, so even if you are biologically a male and a product is referred to as feminine, you could still see your identity as feminine, yeah? I'm just trying to gain a better understanding of where you are coming from

No, they don't say biologically feminine; however, trans women are not at a point where we need feminine products, but a lot of trans men *are*, and as trans men they don't want to be associated with something feminine. It's a product, a need, but it doesn't need to be an excuse to remind trans men of their origin point. As I said in a previous thread, trans people are very aware of where we came from, we know who we were and cannot and will not deny that; however, having come from the masculine or feminine side while having the opposite brain means we often feel secondary, even fraudulent while trying to be who we are. Especially for trans women, we KNOW we're going to stick out like a sore thumb because of our build or voice or face or any number of reasons. But being of masculine origin does not mean I would like to be reminded every time something came up and required, say, a masculine hygiene product. That would be a hugely dysphoric reminder to me. It's the same for trans men, they don't want to be reminded of where they came from every time they have to deal with a biological function. That's why it's important to note that not all who use products for menstrual needs are women, and not all women need menstrual products.

Oh yeah, sorry I misread trans men as trans women. This makes sense. Separate post rather than an edit for clarity

I understand, no worries

 

[~ True Legend ~]

No, they don't say biologically feminine; however, trans women are not at a point where we need feminine products, but a lot of trans men *are*, and as trans men they don't want to be associated with something feminine. It's a product, a need, but it doesn't need to be an excuse to remind trans men of their origin point. As I said in a previous thread, trans people are very aware of where we came from, we know who we were and cannot and will not deny that; however, having come from the masculine or feminine side while having the opposite brain means we often feel secondary, even fraudulent while trying to be who we are. Especially for trans women, we KNOW we're going to stick out like a sore thumb because of our build or voice or face or any number of reasons. But being of masculine origin does not mean I would like to be reminded every time something came up and required, say, a masculine hygiene product. That would be a hugely dysphoric reminder to me. It's the same for trans men, they don't want to be reminded of where they came from every time they have to deal with a biological function. That's why it's important to note that not all who use products for menstrual needs are women, and not all women need menstrual products.

I understand all of this. I recall making a remark about a trans friend's action reminding me of a character of their biological sex. This remark triggered hem. Upsetting situations have led to me learning my lessons for future reference, the hard way.

 

[PGen98]

I understand all of this. I recall making a remark about a trans friend's action reminding me of a character of their biological sex. This remark triggered hem. Upsetting situations have led to me learning my lessons for future reference, the hard way.

It's ok to be curious, anytime you have questions, just ask! I'm an open book, and I'm sure @Ravenfreak doesn't mind, either

 

[MamaFrankie]

Yes, they should (at my age, I no longer have this problem but I have female family members who do). If this was a male problem, this wouldn't even be an issue.

 

[~ True Legend ~]

It's ok to be curious, anytime you have questions, just ask! I'm an open book, and I'm sure @Ravenfreak doesn't mind, either

Thanks hun! I know @Ravenfreak is very open too, in fact, I think more tolerant than I'd be, but that's a discussion for another time and one I've already had with both of you

You do you, I do me

 

[Crys]

Would be nice to have.

 

[Ravenfreak]

Fair, but consider it from the viewpoint of a trans person who is very used to being on the 'outside' of most discussions. Sometimes it's reactionary to want or need to point out things that might seem obvious, but often get overlooked. It's not meant to be accusatory, it's just...an unfortunate side effect of trans life. Also to a trans man, for something of necessity to be called feminine is a bit of a slap in the face.

This is spot on! @~ True Legend ~ I don't mind at all educating others. I'd rather people ask me questions than assume things, that's how we all learn.

 

[Nebulous's iconNebulous]

NOTHING is "free".

"Every time someone gets something for nothing, someone else gets nothing for something." - Earthist

True, but this is paper and cotton we're talking about. It could easily be covered by insurance or with government assistance and wouldn't even make a dent.

 

[PGen98]

This is spot on! @~ True Legend ~ I don't mind at all educating others. I'd rather people ask me questions than assume things, that's how we all learn.

 

[DrLeftover]

True, but this is paper and cotton we're talking about. It could easily be covered by insurance or with government assistance and wouldn't even make a dent.

So cotton farmers will be getting paid by the government, then California can then send some pencil neck to Alabama to tell them how to grow their cotton.

Wonderful idea.

 

[Nebulous's iconNebulous]

So cotton farmers will be getting paid by the government, then California can then send some pencil neck to Alabama to tell them how to grow their cotton.

Wonderful idea.

I didn't say any of that.

 

[DrLeftover]

I didn't say any of that.

No. You didn't.

California's politicians did.

As evidence I cite their recent nonsense regarding the raising of pigs.

https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/11/politics/supreme-court-pork-california-regulations/index.html

Any more objections?

 

[steel bat]

I think a basic range of products should be available for anyone who needs it.
Here in the UK I've heard of schools providing them to kids from poorer backgrounds.
link -

Free sanitary products in all primary schools

Government to offer access to free sanitary products in England’s primary schools from early 2020

www.gov.uk

 

[~ True Legend ~]

I think a basic range of products should be available for anyone who needs it.
Here in the UK I've heard of schools providing them to kids from poorer backgrounds.
link -

Free sanitary products in all primary schools

Government to offer access to free sanitary products in England’s primary schools from early 2020

www.gov.uk

That's great to hear! <3
Now, what next? Teachers need to stop questioning kids why they need to go to the toilet during lessons, and demanding they only go during breaks. It's an interrogation. What if they have a medical condition or heavy periods? Frankly, it's no one's business.