Defined as the cyclic bleeding from the uterine lining between menarche and menopause (American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2020), menstruation is a natural bodily function that affects nearly half of the female population (Unicef, 2018). Despite this, menstruation continues to be one of the most stigmatized topics and many people are often forced to go without access to adequate period products. The issue of not being able to afford menstrual products and not having access to proper waste management, handwashing, and toilets is known as “period poverty” (University of Michigan, 2020). More common than most people think, period poverty often leads to missed work, school, and other life activities, contributing to lower overall self-esteem and mental distress (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 2021). During the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the loss of steady income for 38% of LGBTQ people of color and 29% of white LGBTQ people whose hours have been cut (Human Rights Campaign, 2020), came the loss of steady access to menstrual hygiene products for many people.
As a community which often experiences a lower quality-of-life, LGBTQ people are particularly vulnerable to experience this issue and to not have available support resources. To address disparities in health and outcomes affecting people who menstruate, there should be a more holistic discussion around providing access to affordable food, housing, and menstrual care products.