We're Hosting a Fundraiser. Period.

Join us at our  inaugural Fundraiser. Period. event for Menstrual Hygiene Day

I am writing this on my period. As I type that, I recall the comments I've heard when talking about menstruation in public: "Ewww!" "Gross!" "Dirty!" Or, "You must be on your period," as shorthand for being seen as irrational, overemotional or violating some other gendered expectation of behaviour.

Periods happen for the majority of the population. Yet, we've been taught to feel uneasy about them, like they are a curse.

We hide our pads or tampons up our sleeves as we walk to the washroom at school or work. We ask a friend in a whisper if they have period supplies when we're out, or we don't ask, and stick wads of toilet paper in our underwear, instead.

One in three Canadian women have struggled to afford period products, according to a survey by Plan International Canada. If the survey had included trans and non-binary people too, that number may have been even higher, as LGBTQ people are more subject to discrimination and being socioeconomically disadvantaged.

Eighty-three percent of survey respondents said their period held them back from participating in an activity, and 70 per cent missed work, school or social events as a result of menstruation and unequal access to clean resources.

Looking ahead to Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28, 2019, the goal of the initiative is to reduce the stigma and increase positive conversations around periods, focusing on menstrual equity. If we're not talking about periods and period products as basic needs, we're also not talking about the barriers to healthy, equitable periods for all.

Thanks to the advocacy work of The Period Purse's volunteers, alongside fellow activists like author Amanda Laird and city councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam, Toronto acknowledged its first Menstrual Hygiene Day in 2018. We successfully raised awareness about the importance of equitable menstrual health and working towards menstrual equity through advocacy, outreach and education.

On Menstrual Hygiene Day 2019, The Period Purse will host our inaugural Fundraiser. Period. event, raising critical dollars to support menstrual equity.

In the morning of May 28, Toronto Mayor John Tory will proclaim the city's second Menstrual Hygiene Day.

We will celebrate the progress we have made, such as the government looking to provide free period products to federal workers and the over 22,000 healthy periods The Period Purse has given marginalized menstruators. We will also acknowledge that we have many hills still to climb and lots of barrier-smashing left to do!

Fundraiser. Period. will include a comedy performance by Natalie Norman, The Crimson Wave podcast host and comedian; a silent auction; an on-site marketplace with period-positive items; an opportunity to have your portrait taken by Ranna Asha Photography; and more.

The community will unite at The Office Pub on John St., where we will rally together to support marginalized menstruators and reduce the stigma surrounding periods. All event proceeds will support The Period Purse's mission and vision.

Find the event details and buy your tickets on Eventbrite.