Men Need to be Talking about Periods, Too.

Last week I gave a talk to The Mountaineers about how outdoor leaders can support menstruators before and during wilderness adventures.

There were two men on the call who stayed off video, but told us in the chat how they felt they knew nothing about periods, especially in the backcountry. But that they wanted to learn exactly what to do to help people with periods feel comfortable and prepared for blood in the wild. (YAY.)

We talked about how they don’t need to over-explain, to over-teach, to over-medicalize our bodies. (After all, many of us will have 400 periods in our lifetime. We’re not clueless.🙄)

The #1 thing these men can do? Normalize period talk just by acknowledging that they happen. Be a willing resource in case someone needs support, whether finding a spare tampon or answering a Q about disposing waste. If an adventure leader simply mentions how to manage periods at the same time they talk about pee + poop, it makes a huge difference.

Last year, I was chatting with a man who hosts an outdoor sports podcast. I mentioned that it could be powerful to have an episode about periods in the sport. He was open, but pushed to bring in a woman to talk about it, since he didn’t feel educated enough himself.

But HELLO, that’s the whole point — we need men who DON’T fully understand periods to start conversations. We need men, especially those with networks and communities, to ask questions that other men are also wondering! 🙏

This man is a role model for thousands of people. Imagine the impact he could have by leading the way in talking about menstruation despite him feeling uncomfortable.

To quote a slide I use in my period talk: Ask yourself: Is it worth challenging my feelings (of discomfort, embarrassment, or shame) in order to work towards a more equitable outdoors?

I hope the answer is yes.

Suggested Action: If you know a non-menstruator in outdoor leadership — whether a guide, sports coach, outfitter owner — send them a link to the Outdoor Period Pledge. It’s entirely free and walks them through how to openly and responsibly talk periods in outdoor sports!