Desirae D • California • 20
I was in 6th grade and it was Thanksgiving Day. I have a huge family and no secrets can survive. I remember sitting at the dinner table with all the ladies of the family, and they start talking about when I’m going to get my period. I’m embarrassed and shy that they want to know my business, AT THE DINNER TABLE TOO! I shrug it off and my mom continues and suddenly, as if they spoke it into existence; I felt old warm and wet “down there,” so I discretely went to the bathroom and sure enough, my period had come.
Embarrassed after everyone was just openly talking about my menstrual health, I shyly covered my underwear with toilet paper and went about the rest of my day, wallowing in my new period all alone. I didn’t tell anyone because I knew it would be the talk around the house, especially on Thanksgiving with the amount of people that were there. I thought I would be able to get through this period alone and wait till we got back home, in a few days, to tell my mom.
However, when I woke up the next morning my period was even crazier than the first day. I had no choice but to tell my mom. I quietly, on the edge of tears, tell my mom. Sure enough she took this information like a prize and yelled over the balcony for my dad, despite my objections. Before even reaching the stairs she yells about my new found woman-hood. All the boys downstairs can be heard giggling and they almost gasp. This was their new comedic relief for the day.
My dad and I both didn’t understand my mom's desire to share my information with the house. He even responded with, “okay? Why are you telling me?” And due to the lack of excitement my mom regressed and continued to help me in this new found situation. Every time I went to the bathroom all my uncles would comment on how I’m attending the “sanitation station”. I was mortified.
I guess if people didn’t act so taboo about periods, I might’ve handled this situation differently and maybe would feel more pride about it. Like HA, suck it men, I am a woman and I can bear children, what can you do?
