The tampon maker Tampax is now the subject of anti-trans backlash following a tweet highlighting the company’s inclusive stance on people who experience menstrual cycles.
A September tweet from the company has received renewed attention in recent days after it was signal-boosted by anti-trans trolls. “Fact: Not all women have periods,” read the post, which has racked up 15,000 likes and over 10,000 rewteets. “Also a fact: Not all people with periods are women. Let’s celebrate the diversity of all people who bleed! #mythbusting #periodtruths #transisbeautiful.”
The message was accompanied by art created by Chicago-based graphic designer Brittany Harris. The image shows people of various hairstyles, skin tones, and silhouettes as a subtle nod to trans and non-binary people.
Although the tweet received little attention at the time, TERFs and other anti-trans folks came out of the woodwork more than a month later to voice their opposition to Tampax’s inclusive messaging. “And that’s another brand I won’t be buying any longer,” replied U.K.-based literary agent Caroline Hardman. “Only women have periods. Not all women, but only women.”
“‘People who bleed.’ That’s a slur (brought to us by Queer Theory),” tweeted Toronto-based filmmaker Liza Vespi. “Stop it. Just stop. It’s women and girls.”
Others praised the brand’s inclusive position on menstruation, thanking Tampax for recognizing the trans and non-binary people who have used their products over the years. “I’m a trans man who experienced periods for 13 years; thank you!! I may not need your products anymore, but this makes me feel good for everyone who still does,” tweeted Alex, a 28-year-old trans man from Wales.
