An event designed to highlight issues around menstrual equity among trans people as part of Boston’s Pride programming has been forced to relocate after backlash from right-wing voices. A story on Fox News and social media posts have included transphobic attacks and claims that the mayor’s support of the event means that city funds are being misused.
“At a time when extremist voices are trying to shame, erase, and isolate transgender people, events like Trans Period Pride are about building community, dignity, and access to essential care,” explained the executive director of Massachusetts National Organization for Women (Mass NOW), Sasha Goodfriend, in a statement to them. “Menstrual equity is a public health issue that affects anyone who menstruates, and no one should be excluded from that conversation because of their gender identity. “
The event, titled Mass NOW: Trans Period Pride, was originally scheduled for 6 p.m. on June 17 at the Boston Central Library. The free event is designed to educate the community on the needs of trans people, offering the opportunity to “Learn about trans experiences with menstruation from the MA Trans Political Coalition and participate in a group discussion to connect and share.” The event is catered and offers free period underwear to all attendees. Included among its supporters is the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Advancement.
As an organization, Mass NOW seeks to “pursue equity, act for justice, and build intersectional feminism in the Commonwealth.” A major element of that has been their campaign for menstrual equality. That intersectional approach and their goal to “end period poverty” make this event a natural choice for them.
However, right-wing and anti-trans comments have flooded social media posts promoting the event. That escalated after Fox News published a story about Mass NOW’s work (notably not the first time they have covered such an event). Some commenters complained about the support from Boston mayor Michelle Wu, suggesting that tax dollars should not be used to support the LGBTQ+ community.
It then appeared that the Trans Period Pride event might have been canceled after the Boston library website updated to include “this event is canceled.” However, organizers have since confirmed that the event will go ahead, but will be moving to a new location.
Goodfriend told them: “We have secured a new location and are finalizing a security plan. Details about the venue and event logistics will be announced next week.” It is unclear whether that security plan is due to specific threats of violence or harassment that organizers have received, or simply a cautionary measure given the event’s sudden high-profile nature.
Goodfriend did not say whether the decision to relocate the event was Mass NOW’s decision or whether it came from the library. A Boston Public Library spokesperson told the Boston Herald, “This event was booked by an external organization and has been rescheduled to a different location.” LGBTQ Nation reached out to Mass Now and Mayor Vu’s office for clarification.
There is often confusion around trans menstruation and period needs, with right-wing voices often jumping to assumptions that this is about trans women. This event, and others like it, are targeted at trans men, nonbinary people, and other gender diverse individuals who have a uterus and still menstruate.
Anti-trans voices are often keen to mock trans women and insult them, claiming that trans women believe that they menstruate. While research has determined that trans women going through gender-affirming care can experience period symptoms, they do not menstruate, and that is not what is being discussed here.
In response to the hateful comments and the Fox News article, Goodfriend took it as validation of the need for “consciousness-raising discussion” such as this, saying that the “backlash only reinforces why this work—and visibility solidarity—is so important.”
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