Getting your period publicly is still either a punchline or an act of courage. I want it to be just normal.
Getting your period publicly is still either a punchline or an act of courage. I want it to be just normal.
In 2023, Tiger Woods handed Justin Thomas a tampon on the ninth hole of the Genesis Invitational after out-golfing him — a premeditated “joke” that made periods the punchline. His non-apology: “It was supposed to be all fun and games.” 🙄 What we heard: a tampon is an insult, and the body that uses one is something lesser.
Just months ago, at the 2026 Winter Olympics, figure skater Amber Glenn told the world she was competing while on her period: “It’s something that we don’t really talk about a lot for female athletes, and I think it should be a topic of discussion.” Years before that, marathon runner Li Meizhen finished a 42k race with menstrual blood visible on her legs after her period started mid-race.
Both women were praised and the moments went viral. These moments were treated as extraordinary — because in sport, bleeding openly is still an act of defiance.
It’s 2026, and menstruation in sports is still caught between being a punchline and a radical act. The stigma remains.
I talk a ton about periods. The truth is, I wish I could call periods boring! I’d rather it just be what happens when you have a body and you use it, instead of it being either a joke or an act of bravery.
But until then, I’ll keep starting the convos and asking about your period. I’ll keep presenting to groups and not hiding my cup.
Suggested Action:I don’t have any period talks on the calendar this spring, so if you want me to bring a workshop or presentation to your outdoor group, lemme know! Recent topics include:
Menstrual Health in Outdoor Leadership: How People Without Periods Can Make a Difference
Finding Comfort and Confidence Across the Entire Menstrual Cycle While in the Backcountry
The Outdoor Period Pledge: Shifting from Body Taboo to True Inclusion for Outdoorsy Menstruators