Taboo surrounding the menstruation is true of many cultures across the world. While the women are glorified about their fertility, the very nature that makes her fertile by shedding blood is stigmatized. The taboo hunts us to the very core of being and develops some serious self-doubts about our ability and existence. Why is period shaming still a thing in 2020? What is so fearsome about a girl who bleeds? Why is a girl always suppressed because of a natural bodily function? How could we be ostracized and bullied for something we have no control over?
Since childhood being brought up in an abusive and unhealthy environment for a child, I was always taught I’m inferior to a man, forced to hide my emotions and never encouraged to indulge in imperative discussions while venturing into adulthood. I was raised to believe that a woman on a period is the most sinful creature to walk around, and have been at the center of emotional and physical tortures about not hiding my femininity enough from the men.
Why does an unintended blood stain on the back scare you? Or gross you out? It’s as if everyone carries an inherent phobia for blood.
A bleeding woman is just a woman who is bleeding, not a monster. Neither glorify nor demonize us.
The more you suppress me the more I will embrace myself. My blood is my art. I feel liberated.
My blood is me. I bleed, therefore I am.
