Boston Mayor Michelle Wu\u2019s Office of LGBTQ+ Advancement is facing backlash online after promoting a “Trans Period Pride” event at a public library centered on “menstrual equity” and transgender experiences with menstruation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Tuesday post featuring a graphic with a pink tampon and blue menstrual pad read, “Join MASS NOW and the MA Trans Political Coalition for a consciousness-raising discussion on menstrual equity and the experiences of trans menstruators.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The free event will be held in June at the Boston Public Library\u2019s Copley Branch. The event, which includes a catered dinner and “free period underwear provided to all attendees,” is supported by the Mayor\u2019s Office of LGBTQ Advancement, the Boston Alliance of LGBTQ+ Youth (BAGLY), MASS NOW and the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On its website, the Mayor\u2019s Office of LGBTQ Advancement says it “develops policies, community-oriented programming, and provides resources for the City\u2019s diverse LGBTQIA2S+ community.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the Instagram post, the event is described as a “consciousness raising conversation around transgender experiences with menstruation.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wu has denied reports in the past that city funds were used to support a program offering LGBTQ migrants up to $500 in “wellness” perks, after a local advocacy group advertised the benefits and later scaled back its description amid backlash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
OUTnewcomers, an LGBTQ group in Boston, subsequently announced it returned city grant funding to Wu\u2019s office after its plans clashed with the local government’s expectations for the funding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many users commented on the Tuesday Instagram post sharing surprise and disbelief, with one user writing, “This cannot be real\u2026\u2026.” while another said, “Is this a joke?” and a third wrote, “Yall have lost your minds.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n