Sunni D. Jacocks is a Black, queer artist, educator and storyteller. They received their Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing; Fiction, and minor in Gender & Sexuality at New Mexico State University. They have been published in notable works such as Listen to Your Skin: An Anthology of Queer and Self-love, edited by Listen to Your Skin Press, The Best Lesbian Erotica of the Year, v.7, edited by Sinclair Sexsmith, and It Takes Two: Couples Erotica, edited by Rachel Kramer Bussel, Brown Recluse Distro, Bleeding Thunder, and Fruit Queer Literary Journal.
“If menstruation is only tied to ‘womanhood’ and nothing else, this hurts not just the queer community, but society as a whole.”
Regine Roquia: How have your experiences with menstruation and self-harm shaped your understanding of your gender identity?
Sunni D. Jacocks: Since I was a teenager, I’ve been bleeding in more ways than one. The first was at age 12 when I started my period. I thought I was dying. Being on my period was awkward, uncomfortable, and made my depression and anxiety significantly worse. That led to a coping mechanism to ease and manage those feelings for a lifetime: self-harm.
Also, I was trans and didn’t know it yet.
Historically, menstruation is associated with femininity and fertility but what can blood symbolize outside of that?
Queer periods make me think about the violence towards trans and nonbinary bodies. Queer periods make me think about the historical discrimination during the AIDS crisis when queer people were denied healthcare access due to beliefs about their blood being "impure.” Queer periods make me think about non-suicidal self-injury as a survival response to gender dysphoria and systematic discrimination.
As a queer, trans person I’m used to bleeding because it’s all I’ve ever known. [a]Like menstruation's shedding of the old, I find myself constantly shedding my former self. Though I try to mirror this through self-harm, the pain and blood feel detached—present yet somehow disconnected from my core self.
As a Black queer person, my body carries a history deeply rooted in violence. These experiences reflect my personal journey, where both menstruation and mental health struggles have profoundly shaped my understanding of gender identity.
What did you learn from your research on cis and trans/non-binary individuals about menstruation?
During the summer of 2020, while unemployed due to COVID-19, my curiosity led me to explore these questions by interviewing 16 people about their experiences with periods—5 cisgender women and 11 trans and non-binary individuals. Most of the responses centered on the lack of information about resources and products, and the discomfort of even talking about the topic with family and peers. Conversations with trans and non-binary participants also focused on gender and sexuality. I had conversations about self-injury (deliberate bleeding) versus periods (involuntary bleeding), hormonal changes and therapy, and harmful misconceptions in the queer and trans communities.
While I know menstruation is not the same as self-harm, I couldn’t help but see their connection.
One of the folx I interviewed, Abby, 29, found that she does “...find it satisfying to bleed, in a gruesome, painful way—I have a history with self-harm and sometimes it feels like the only way I really get the chance to see my own blood anymore is through periods, or accidents.” For some trans folx, who may not bleed vaginally, self-injury is still an important aspect of their experiences. Whereas menstruation can be unregulated, ‘controlling the blood’ is a way to regain back control of the body.
How does tying menstruation to femininity impact gender norms, and what needs to change?
Throughout the interviews, I found that non-binary individuals felt their periods were anything from “deeply feminine” to “primal and raw,” from “[predating] gender and sexuality” to “just a thing that happens to [them] sometimes.” If menstruation is only tied to ‘womanhood’ and nothing else, this hurts not just the queer community, but society as a whole. D.L. told me, “the terrible sex ed I had in high school tied periods to straightness. There was this direct line drawn between bleeding, pregnancy, and heterosexuality.”
Messages about getting your period and capability of pregnancy means conversations center on gender expectations, portraying, as one interviewee, Marissa, said, “images and ideas that come largely from the patriarchy—the inaccessible, exoticizing of the feminine.” It tells us that if those expectations are not met, there is no room outside of individuality and control of our own bodies.
How do hormonal therapies and menstrual products affect trans and non-binary communities? How can they be improved?
For a lot of trans individuals, birth control, hormone therapy, and medically transitioning helped them feel more aligned with their gender identity, and the ability to start or stop periods (DIVA).
Trans women in particular are often not seen as part of the discourse on menstruation and are told they lack ‘realness’ and ‘womanhood,’ when in reality, some trans women have PMS symptoms, often leading to period dysphoria.
On the other hand, trans men can be excluded from masculinity because of their periods. For Jasper, 29, before testosterone and a hysterectomy, their periods felt “borderline traumatic,” making him “...feel less masculine, vulnerable and weak.” Genderfluid and non-binary folks often float between these stigmatizations and are expected to choose a side: you either hate your period or you’ve grown to tolerate it.
What menstruation resources and products do you recommend? How can these be more inclusive for trans and non-binary communities?
Research on menstruation is scarce, especially for trans and non-binary individuals. We need inclusive information for everyone, helping us heal from the shame and trauma associated with our bodies. While many menstrual product companies claim to offer "period products for all," there's a notable lack of products and education specifically designed for trans and nonbinary menstruators.
The choice of menstrual products depends on individual needs and preferences. Menstrual cups can be a helpful option. These small, flexible cups, made of rubber or silicone, are inserted to collect menstrual blood. However, some find them dysphoria-inducing, as the sight of blood may remind users of their lack of bodily autonomy. I personally like DivaCups and Aisle's. For those who prefer not to use cups, menstrual discs are worth considering. They hold slightly less blood but aren't reusable and require caution during sexual activity. Some brands to explore are MyLumma, Flexfits, and Softdisc.
For those who don’t prefer internal menstrual products, reusable cotton pads and liners offer an eco-friendly alternative. They absorb as effectively as disposable options without the chemical odor and are compatible with various underwear styles. I find them especially useful during heavier flow days, particularly when used in combination with other products.
Menstrual underwear has been a game-changer for many. Available in various styles, these leakproof, washable, and highly absorbent options often eliminate the need for additional products. They're ideal for overnight use or extended wear. I find them very comfortable for sleep and travel. I primarily use Aisle's products, particularly their cotton pads and underwear, due to their diverse range of absorbency options and inserts. Tomboyx is also another option as they are queer-inclusive!
Lastly, menstrual tracking apps have evolved beyond simple period tracking. They now include features for monitoring mood, sleep patterns, medication, and even digestion. Many are moving away from traditionally feminine designs, making them more inclusive. Some apps worth exploring are How We Feel, Moody Month, and Clue.
It's important to remember that everyone's needs and comfort levels differ. I encourage individuals to explore these options and find what works best for them in managing their menstruation while affirming their gender identity.
About The Illustrator
Wenjia Wang pursued her passion for art academically, earning a BFA in Illustration from the School of Visual Arts in 2018, followed by an MFA in Illustration at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She is a member of the Society of Illustrators and was awarded in professional illustration competitions, which include 3X3 Magazine, American Illustration, Graphics, and MoCCA. Wang's clients include Huawei, independent musicians, galleries, and local businesses.
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Dowd, Rachel. “More than 40% of transgender adults in the US have attempted suicide.” UCLA Williams Institute School of Law. 20 July 2023. https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/press/transpop-suicide-press-release/.
“Periods & Pregnancy for Trans & Non-Binary People.” DIVA. 26 Jan 2023. https://shopdiva.com/blogs/the-conscious-cycle/do-trans-women-have-periods.
Brabaw, Kasandra. “6 transgender women talk menstruation.” Aisle. 21 July 2020. https://periodaisle.com/blogs/all/6-transgender-women-talk-menstruation.
