I first saw this picture while scanning Facebook. My first reaction was to smile. My own sleep leaks came to mind – and a reminder that I”m part of something so much bigger than I.
My eyes drifted to the caption below the picture.
This Photo Was Removed By Instagram.
I looked at the photo again.
The warm fuzzy feelings I’d had earlier evaporated like raindrops on a hot rock. I clicked on the link and began to read.
Someone at Instagram removed Rupi Kaur’s picture because it didn’t conform to their interpretation of Instagram’s Community Standards.
(How would a picture of a sleeping menstruating woman be a threat to community safety?)
Unbelievable!
(that Instagram would pull this picture)
Scandalous!
(that Instagram would consider this picture to be inappropriate)
Improper!
(that’s what Instagram’s reaction is)
Unforgivable!
(an apology does not erase it – change is required)
Uncalled for!
(the ignorant and asinine reactions of the few who dictate to the many)
Intolerable!
(that’s what this is and we can’t sit back and be silent about it)
Rupi Kaur has lifted the banner high and we must join in the movement to unfetter menstruation. Let our voices be heard in support of the freedom to menstruate uncensored.
Menstruation is not shameful. It is not pornographic. It is not nasty. It is not something that should be hidden or denied.
Menstruation is glorious. It is beautiful. It is natural. It is creative. It is something that should not be hidden and must never be denied.
Ignorance must come face to face with truth and who better to speak it than those who menstruate?!
Speak up! Speak out! Let your voice be heard about all things period wise, and let no one censor you, period wise!
Follow Rupi Kaur.
Oh…the double-standards. They do not tickle.
I’ve never been one to say “menstruation is beautiful” any more than I would a sneeze keeping dirt out of my lungs while gardening. I assure you that I do not say this derisively, because here’s the thing: nobody loses their senses over someone sneezing. Why should we? Everyone does it; some more than others.
If I were knee-deep in some heavy landscaping and sneezed hard enough to cause a bloody nose, I could ask the person standing next to me, male or female, if they have a tissue. If I feel a tell-tale sign of my TotM encroaching (yes, encroaching), society would have me tip-toe to the nearest female individual, whisper my grievance, and pray that none of our male counterparts guesses what we’re talking about. I don’t behave this way, and guess what? My male friends get over it (if they don’t, we can remain cordial acquaintances, and I won’t expect much from them). I can announce a cramp from hell just as easily as anyone whose legs are sore from an hour at the gym. And wanna know something that would astonish “polite society”? One of my friends, male or female, may respond, “That sucks. I have motrin in my backpack. Want one?”
I think I’m rambling. Or bragging. I love my friends.
More on topic, allow me to direct everyone’s attention to this creative individual’s deviantart account. I like his work, style, and general sense of humor. I don’t like his profile image. I can handle watching the goriest of surgical procedures, but this GIF makes me queazy. I don’t ridicule him for using that GIF, because I own my queasiness; it is not his fault, nor is it his responsibility to babysit my feelings. Maybe someone who has frequent nosebleeds would find it amusing.
When I saw Ms Kaur’s picture on instagram, I gasped and then started laughing, because that’s happened to me! Then I read what became of the picture and rolled my eyes. I’ve seen what else lurks in the scuzziest corners of instagram and deviantart alike, and it’s disgusting to see that something as common and innocent as this would be given the same treatment befitting the most bombastic pornographic images, which are still available for general viewing.
If I’ve said anything that anyone might find insulting, please let me know so we can talk it out. I would love to quash the taboo and stigma surrounding menstruation, and there’s no room for misunderstandings when we’re working toward the same goal.