Lifestyle /
Woman-Free Bleeds During London Marathon
In choosing to free-bleed during the London Marathon, musician Kiran Gandhi has opened up a divisive but necessary dialogue around period shaming.
Image courtesy: Buzzfeed
When Gandhi found she'd started her period the day before the marathon, she was at a loss of what to do, since she hadn't trained while on it, and this would be her first-ever marathon.
"I thought through my options. Running 26.2 miles with a wad of cotton material wedged between my legs just seemed so absurd," she wrote in an essay for Absurdist. "But then I thought … if there’s one person society can’t eff with, it’s a marathon runner. You can’t tell a marathoner to clean themselves up, or to prioritise the comfort of others. On the marathon course, I could choose whether or not I wanted to participate in this norm of shaming. … I decided to just take some Midol, hope I wouldn’t cramp, bleed freely and just run.”
Gandhi decided that free-bleeding would be crucial in drawing visible attention to her cause, which was to highlight how absurd it is to shame or hide the fact that women menstruate and go through unbelievable pain every month. The larger issue was the fact that many women across the world aren't able to access sanitary pads and tampons.
By bringing this topic to the foreground, Gandhi aimed to destigmatize menstruation. "Because it is all kept quiet, women are socialised not to complain or talk about their own bodily functions, since no one can see it happening. And if you can’t see it, it’s probably ‘not a big deal.’ Why is this an important issue? Because THIS is happening, right now.”
Image courtesy: Kiran Gandhi
As expected, Gandhi's photos — which quickly went viral — met with mixed opinions on Twitter and from commenters who were in the "ewww" category, which is fine too. However, the viral attention and backlash haven't fazed Gandhi, who said that her act was effective in making people uncomfortable and confronting their biases.
"I addressed the issue from someone living with a position of privilege,” she said to Buzzfeed News. “I want to help focus the attention in the right way. I think being aware, and doing something that you think can create a conversation, being brave enough to do something that may make people pissed at you — that’s where I want to be and what I want to be doing.”
Of course, free-bleeding is not for every woman, but the fact that Gandhi did this is very courageous because it confronts our immediate taboo reactions to menstruation and trying to reset how we think about it. Clearly, this issue affects 50 per cent of the population. While we may groan at the images, they challenge us not to be as callous as Donald Trump, who recently implied that Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly was on her period during the Republican debate.
Whether it's free-bleeding during a marathon or creating artwork around menstruation like artist and poet Rupi Kaur, women are challenging that immediate grossed-out reaction that shows our socialized period-shaming. This challenge is so sorely needed in breaking down our aversion to something that's as painful as it is natural!
Image courtesy: Rupi Kaur
Feature image source: www.whatsthefuzzabout.wordpress.com
Rumnique Nannar
Author
Rumnique Nannar is a new journalist with a passion for all things pop culture, film, and art. Rumnique was born in London, with a predilection for devouring English chocolate with her Vogue, ANOKHI, and Glamour magazines in tow. She is currently in her Journalism Masters at UBC. Connect ...
COMMENTS
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
-
The Ultimate Mother’s Day Gift Guide For Your Desi Mom
-
Ever Hosted A Desi Picnic? Here Is Your Ultimate Guide To Wowing Your Family & Friends
-
'Detective Aunty' & 9 Other Must-Read Spring 2025 Books By South Asian Authors
-
Beyond Samosas: Healthy & Satisfying Ramadan Suhoor And Iftar Recipes!
-
6 Ways South Asian Parents Can Teach Their Children About Black History Month
-
Rose Barfi, Chocolate Naan Khatai & More: South Asian Dessert Recipes For Valentine's Day
-
From Birth Charts To Lunar Calendars: Setting Intentions For 2025 With South Asian Traditions
-
How To Host The Perfect South Asian Holiday Dinner
-
ANOKHI's Holiday Gift Guide For Thoughtful Desi Presents For The Home & Beyond
-
Not Into Flu Shots? Try These Centuries-Old Desi Home Remedies Instead!
-
Diwali Gift Guide: Barbie® Diwali Doll & 8 More Unique South Asian Gift Ideas
-
From Turkey To Tadka: Desi-Inspired Thanksgiving Recipes
-
Mommy's Time-Out: How To Reclaim Your Zen After The Back-to-School Scramble
-
Khichdi Cups & 5 South Asian School Lunch Recipes For Busy Desi Parents
-
6 Complaints Desi Grandparents Have About Keeping Pets & How You Can Counter Them
-
Raksha Bandhan Gift Guide: Celebrate The Festival With A Modern Twist!
-
Summer Elixirs: Healthy South Asian Cooling Drink Recipes To Beat The Heat
-
Stay Cool: Build a Summer Garden Oasis At Home With Tulsi & Shade
-
Celebrating International Yoga Day: Find Your Balance Through Chakra Meditation
-
Spice Up Your Summer BBQ With These 5 Mouthwatering South Asian Recipes
-
South Asian Heritage Month: Journey Through Time With 8 Iconic South Asian Travel Destinations
-
How To Add Ancient South Asian Spiritual Cleansing Rituals To Modern Spring Cleaning Techniques
-
Toronto's Living Luxe Design Show Sets a New Standard for Luxury Exhibitions
-
Savouring South Asian Style: Elevate Your Home Decor with Cultural Flair
-
6 Ways To Create Fun Quality Time With Your Kids & Parents That Both Will Love!
-
Celebrating South Asian Literature: Must-Read Books by Female Authors
-
Flavourful Festivities: Traditional Holi Recipes To Spice Up Your Table
-
The Living Luxe Design Show Presented By JennAir Announces Powerhouse Program Of Speakers
-
7 Ways Yoga Will Save Your Mental Health
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Can I Convince My Friend That Her Threatening Boyfriend Is The Problem, Not Me?
-
10 Tips To Manage & Survive Long-Distance Relationships
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: I'm Afraid My Childhood Bully Will Be Back In My Life, What Do I Do?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Create "Me Time" In My Demanding Life?
-
Hot Spot Alert: Mishree Cocktails & Cuisine Exhilarates With South Asian X Middle Eastern Cuisine
-
BioAro Founder Dr. Anmol Kapoor Wants You To Be The CEO Of Your Health
-
Savour the Holidays With This Paneer Pakora Recipe By KFI Sauces!
-
Here's How To Craft And Achieve Meaningful New Year's Resolutions
-
Snack It Up This Holiday Season with Indian-Inspired Potato Wedges by KFI Sauces
-
Butter Chicken Nachos Recipe By KFI Sauces Is Perfect For Your Holiday Spread
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Friend She's Taking My Emotional Support For Granted?
-
Anjali Pathak of Patak's Shares Her Favourite Recipes For The Holiday Season
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: Why Does Our Family Get Togethers Always End With A Fight?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Sis-In-Law To Stop Intruding In My Daughter's Wedding Plans?
-
Event Alert: The Auric Living Conference Brings Holistic Healing To Toronto
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: I'm On The Outs With My Friend Because I Supported Her Breakup What Do I Do?
-
Event Alert: The Desai Foundation Rings In 10th Anniversary of "Diwali On The Hudson" Gala
-
South Asians & Arthritis: Busting Myths And Sharing Facts About This Disease In Our Community
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Convince My Kids That My Granddaughter's Best Friend Is A Bully?
-
Make Your Brunch Brilliant With This French Buckwheat Crepes & Dosas Recipe!
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Sis-In-Law That Her Messy Dog Is Not Welcome At My House?
-
You Just Need A Hot Pot To Make This Amazing Masala Style Vegan Tomato Soup
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Friend To Stop Interrupting Me?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Trust My Husband After He Cheated On Me?
-
Check Out This Insane Recipe For Mini Masala Idli
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Brother That His Cottage Rules Ruins All The Fun?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: What Do I Do When My Fiancé Shares His Dog With His Ex?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Convince My Partner That Our Six-Year-Old Is To Young For Sleepovers?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Deal With My Friend Who Always Wants To Start A Fight?
-
Here's Why Paris Calls Tharshan Selvarajah The Best Baguette Baker In The City
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: Help! My Bestie Roommate Is A Nightmare