Denver Mulls a Menstrual Makeover: Feminine Hygiene Products to Get a New Name
In a move that might make your high school health teacher do a double-take, a Denver City Council committee is set to discuss swapping out the term “feminine hygiene products” for the more inclusive “menstrual hygiene products” in city sales tax documents. Because, apparently, it’s not just tampons and pads that need a fresh look – it’s the language we use to describe them too.
Now, before you roll your eyes and wonder if there’s anything else left to rename, let’s break it down. As it stands, Denverites don’t have to fork over extra cash in taxes for these essential products, according to a presentation by Council member Paul Kashmann. But in the spirit of inclusivity, Kashmann is proposing that we ditch the outdated term “feminine” and embrace “menstrual” instead. Why? Because it’s 2024, and it’s time our vocabulary caught up with the times. The presentation even highlights how Generation Z is leading the charge in defining gender on a spectrum, making this change not just about words, but about creating more welcoming spaces for everyone – even when it comes to discussing periods.
So, what’s the big deal with swapping a word or two? Well, according to Kashmann’s deep dive into the issue, it’s all about fighting discrimination and embracing inclusivity. He points out that people who identify as LGBTQ+ often face discrimination in everyday life – whether it’s on social media, at work, or even while shopping for their preferred brand of tampons. And while renaming hygiene products might seem like a small step, it’s part of a broader push to acknowledge and support people across the gender spectrum.
To put things into perspective, Kashmann’s presentation doesn’t just rely on feel-good rhetoric. He brings the stats: a 2023 study from UCLA Law School paints a sobering picture of the mental health challenges faced by transgender and non-binary individuals. With alarming rates of suicidal thoughts, attempts, and self-injury, it’s clear that there’s work to be done – and if rewording city documents can help make life a little easier, why not?
But Denver isn’t the only one thinking along these lines. New York has already adopted a similar ordinance, and our neighbors to the north in Canada are really stepping up their game. They’ve made it mandatory to provide menstrual products in all restrooms, regardless of gender, in federally regulated workplaces. They’ve even gone all-in on gender-neutral language when talking about these products. So, Denver’s proposal isn’t just a one-off idea – it’s part of a growing trend towards inclusivity.
If you’ve got thoughts on this (and who wouldn’t?), there’s a public hearing on the proposed name change scheduled for Aug. 13 at 10:30 a.m. It’s your chance to weigh in, so grab your calendar and mark the date. Even if the committee gives the green light, the full City Council will have to give it a thumbs-up not once, but twice before it becomes official.
So, get ready, Denver. Whether you call them “feminine” or “menstrual,” it’s time to have a serious chat about how we talk about periods – and maybe have a laugh along the way. After all, if we can’t lighten up about menstruation, what can we joke about?
