“I just got out of six months of rehab, and I've been clean for a while, and things have been a lot better. It's always nice to see that I'm not the only one.”
—Mark, 19, Atlanta, GA
Sex Education by Teens, for Teens!
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“I just got out of six months of rehab, and I've been clean for a while, and things have been a lot better. It's always nice to see that I'm not the only one.”
—Mark, 19, Atlanta, GA
Originally Published: May 4, 2002
Revised: May 4, 2007
My eyebrow cocked instantly at the first mention of Vinnie D'Angelo, creator of Vinnie's Tampon Cases—funky pouches for girls to hold their tampons—and author of Vinnie's Giant Roller Coaster Period Chart & Journal Sticker Book. I thought, "What?! A guy wrote a menstruation book for girls?"
![]() Vinnie D'Angelo |
![]() Cover: Vinnie's Giant Roller Coaster Period Chart & Journal Sticker Book |
Sex, Etc.: What made you want to become Vinnie the Tampon Case Distributor?
Vinnie D'Angelo: The inspiration came from two moments, both stemming from a need to help my girlfriends. I remember the exact incident when I realized that men and women are divided by our lack of understanding of each other and willingness to learn.
I had walked in on my female friends amidst a complaint session, and before I was able to move another step, my gal pals silenced their conversation and began giggling. The topic at hand was obvious —menstruation. I felt excluded from a part of their lives because of their expectations of the stereotypical negative male response, not wanting to talk of tampon taboos.
Initially, like most young men, I was ignorant of anything having to do with menstruation. I grew up with all brothers, no sisters. However, it was that moment, so many years ago, when I finally said "Enough!" and shed that last ounce of masculine embarrassment.
My girlfriends and I had a long talk about the basics of menstruation—what happens biologically, the feelings associated with having a period…a lot of things I never knew.
Another day, a female friend and I were walking around New York City, when she divulged to me that she doesn't always feel safe in her own streets, even during daytime. She told me about the constant catcalls and lewd remarks she received from male passers when she walked alone.
I seriously began to worry about her safety and the security of all women, thinking that if some men couldn't even control themselves during the day, nighttime was an entirely more frightening issue. It drew me closer to an understanding of solidarity between myself and the opposite sex—out of respect for their day-to-day hardships.
SE: What do you think causes male reluctance to learn about menstruation?
VD: Basically—due to the sexist attitudes that sadly still prevail in our society—guys have been excused from knowing even the most basic information about menstruation, one of the most pronounced aspects of a female's life. The media reinforce the stereotypical male response to menstruation—running in the other direction. And guys rarely have an opportunity to develop a more mature reaction.
Guys are also encouraged by the tampon industry—and, by extension, their girlfriends and sisters—to pretend that they don't notice when a girl has her period. Tampon companies have created and perpetuated the concept that women should be embarrassed by their period and hide it, so "no one will ever know." Because of this very successful advertising campaign, females try their best to pretend that the monthly cycle isn't wreaking havoc on their body and moods. And males do their best to play their part and pretend they don't "notice."
SE: What would help banish the stigma about menstruation, especially in the eyes of males?
VD: Education has the uncanny knack to dispel myths and reverse bad habits. Boys need to get the scoop, and their gal pals need to pass along the correct information. Obviously, getting boys the essential information may not be an easy task, but it's far from impossible, and it's slowly happening. Girls need support during their periods, not boys pretending menstruation doesn't exist.
SE: Do you feel you've accomplished what you set out to do?
VD: As for social and psychological changes in the way men and women view menstruation, I'm only tipping the iceberg. I'd like my work to open up the lines of communication and lessen the gender gap, by taking away the negative connotation of periods. No one, including myself, has period envy, but there is no need to comply with societal pressures dictating that it is shameful and embarrassing, and people should remain silent.
SE: Any final messages to teen guys and girls about menstrual cycles?
VD: Know the Flow!
Ick!
Posted by: 13purpleprincess31 on Jan 13th, 2008 1:19pm
I totally hate getting my period because I think that
everyone can tell. I can only wear the really little
tampons and I bleed through them in less than 30 minutes so
it sucks.
way ahead
Posted by: xaila13 on Aug 27th, 2007 4:53pm
me and my friends (guys and girls) are very open with each
other and regularly have talks about this sort of thing it's
a great feeling to be aware of whats going on in your
friends lives and i encourage every one out there to do the
same. <3
A Pain
Posted by: Shuree on Jul 8th, 2008 4:16pm
I can't stand having my period sometimes. The cramps and the
bloating are a pain,but after that goes away sometimes I
forget I even have it.