The major tampon brand Tampax recently started a firestorm of controversy on social media after it declared that “not all people with periods are women.” The company, which is owned by Procter & Gamble, shared this message back on September 15. However, it has only recently begun a seated debate after going viral, with many criticizing the manufacturer for alienating biological women.
“Fact: Not all women have periods,” the tweet says. “Also a fact: Not all people with periods are women. Let’s celebrate the diversity of all people who bleed!”
Tampax also used the tags #transisbeautiful, #mythbusting, and #periodtruths.
Fact: Not all women have periods. Also a fact: Not all people with periods are women. Let's celebrate the diversity of all people who bleed! 💙🎨: @gobeeharris #mythbusting #periodtruths #transisbeautiful pic.twitter.com/5s1416cZBw
— Tampax (@Tampax) September 15, 2020
However, this tweet went over the line according to some women, prompting a brand boycott call.
“This ad is misogynistic and advocates erasing women. So goodbye 4ever!!!” one critic wrote.
Menstruation requires a uterus—men don’t have a uterus. Please stop.
No amount of brainwashing will convince ppl of this crap, and even if they “agree” with you, it’s because of fear and they silently know the truth and the total absurdity of what you’re claiming.
— Mateo (@Pragmatismprism) October 24, 2020
Others accused the message of being “anti-woman.”
“I’m genuinely interested to know who at @Tampax thought it might be a good idea to gamble your entire client base (Biological Women) against this anti-factual and anti-woman, virtue vomit,” another critic said.
If a non female is having a period (menstrual bleeding) they should get to the hospital because ITS NOT A PERIOD!!!
— Jonathan T Gilliam (@JGilliam_SEAL) October 26, 2020
However, others praised the company’s bold decision to be more inclusive of the trans community and blasted anyone who had a problem with their message.
“Lovely as always to see bigots absolutely bewildered that the world has left them behind and science didn’t permanently freeze during their 5th grade biology class in 1983,” one person wrote in defense of Tampax.
Fact: I am not a woman, as my organs don’t define my gender. Also a fact: transphobes are ridiculous.
Nice move.
— Sucker for Idiots 🩸 (@slorenz_author) October 24, 2020
“Yes. Yes. Yes,” another supporter responded. “A million times yes. Inclusivity hurts no one. If you’re mad about this, let’s talk.”
Thank you, people behind Tampax, for your inclusive language 💜 There's a lot of hate in the comments, but know there are people who see and appriciate it.
It's such a small gesture, and hurts literally no one.— Trans men are men 🏳️⚧️ (@Kymah_Corgi) October 24, 2020
“Literally yes, trans men and non binary people get periods,” another person wrote. “How is that so hard to understand?”
Ok, for those who don't know, your "but biology" gotchas are outdated science. Science is the study of all things. What we learned in highschool is not the end all be all. "Biology" isnt as simple as "xy" and "xx", non of you have any concept of biology past the classroom.
— Trans men are men 🏳️⚧️ (@Kymah_Corgi) October 25, 2020
As of Monday, the original post has gained over 14,000 likes and almost 11,000 shares, along with 23,000 comments.
The post came a month after UK-based health and beauty retailer Superdrug came out with their new line of plant-based, eco-friendly sanitary napkins, and towels designed for “people who menstruate,” reports the Evening Standard.