Building on its commitment to support and amplify marginalised voices in conversations about periods, sustainable period products brand Natracare has launched a zine called Shades of Red, which shares unique stories of having a period as a trans, non-binary, or gender-diverse person.

The first issue, titled The Gender Issue, aims to destigmatise and normalise the diverse experiences from those who are not cisgender women with periods and encourage support and allyship.

This collective piece includes the creative and anecdotal works from seven trans and non-binary creators including trans activist, writer and model Kenny Ethan Jones (he/him), transgender and YouTube sensation Noah Adams (he/him), award-winning artist and filmmaker Fox Fisher (he/they), non-binary LGBTQIA+ educator Lex Horwitz (they/them), and more.

Kenny Ethan Jones says: “I think it’s really empowering to have a period related resource that just showcases trans people. Growing up I really needed something like this, but I’m glad it’s available for the next generation.”

“Trans and non-binary people like me deserve to be part of the conversation around periods and healthcare,” says Fox Fisher.

“I’m contributing to this zine because as someone who’s trans non-binary, it’s extremely important to be a part of these amazing efforts to dismantle gender norms and help shift the conversation about periods to be more inclusive!” says Meg. 

The Shades of Red: Gender Issue is made up of four sections which includes: 

• Educational articles created by Natracare (proofread by Kenny Ethan Jones). 
• The ‘Per[iod]spectives’ section in the form of photography, illustrations, letters, poetry and more from contributors.
• The ‘Allyship’ section on how to be a good ally to the trans/non-binary community (proofread by Kenny Ethan Jones).
• A ‘Standing Ov(ul)ation’ section dedicated to the individuals, brands and organisations putting in the work to amplify these voices daily.

“Everyone deserves to be able to speak openly and honestly about their period experiences without fear or shame. Sadly, this isn’t always the reality and people who aren’t cisgender women can often be left out of the conversation.

“In this zine, we’re excited to have worked with some incredible creators to help platform the true diversity and complexity of having a period. We hope the zine broadens existing knowledge and understanding for somebody without the lived experience, and also inspires positive action, from practicing allyship, to signing critical petitions,” says Jessica Gitsham, sales and marketing manager at Natracare. 

To read the Gender Issue of Shades of Red online, please visit www.natracare.com/shades-of-red-period-zine. 

Images: Natracare and Getty/iStock.