Post by @vagina_museum@masto.ai

2026-05-06 11:43 UTC

Perpetuated by patriarchal and cisnormative myths and misconceptions, this shame and stigma affects girls and gender diverse children the most. Without the language to describe what’s happening to them, children grow up unable or ashamed to ask questions — to express curiosity or concern about their bodies. Naturally, this influences behaviour not just in childhood, but well into adulthood. And it affects all of us.

Replies (3)

@vagina_museum@masto.ai 2026-05-06 11:43

Menarche is a moment of change, of transformation. It shouldn’t be shamed or shrouded in secrecy. Talking about it can be scary, but it also opens a door to connection. What do YOU wish you had known?

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@burnoutqueen@todon.nl 2026-05-06 11:48

@vagina_museum amen. If I had the language I would have come out as trans much earlier

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@urlnotfound@jorts.horse 2026-05-06 13:08

@vagina_museum I am a man, so my experience with this is through others. This post reminded me of an episode of Golden Girls where Blanche recalls her mother and aunts and other women in her life warning her of "the curse" that would come for her during puberty. Blanche becomes scared of "the curse" that has not taken her by age 16. She asks her mom who says "we need to take you to a doctor if you haven't had your first period yet". Blanche says "I'm not a baby, I've had that since I was 13."

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