I was lucky and had many liberated people in my life, so have never felt much shame.

Pain on the other hand, I sure have. Chronic cystitis (bladder and urethra infections) took over my life for many years untill I was 21, when I finally made the jump to cloth pads. It was almost instant, and felt like a true miracle since I had tried what seemed like everything.

I don't know what it was about those dioxin tampons and plastic pads that didn't jive with my cunt, but cutting them out of my life was the best thing I ever did.

I sometimes yearn for the convenience of a tampon, and that has led me to the sponge. I love it. It is soft and cushy and absorbant, the only thing you've got to watch out for is the sneeze. Explosive!

So now I make, sell and wear my own cloth pads, and I think my next investment will be the Keeper. I've heard they are great.

new to this tribe...hey!

Vi...Im right there with you about not being able to say "period", or "vagina", or any other related words until I was like 19. I remember being scared to take pads and tampons to school in my backpack because I didnt want them to make noise or anyone to see them. When I was bleeding in high school, I would make the point of coming home from school or wearing a super tampon AND a super pad. Depending on my surroundings (I dont want to offend people), Im totally happy and proud to say "there is blood coming out of my vagina right now".

For me, reading CUNT (Inga Muscio) was a life changer. Ive been doing period activism (or so) for the last 5 years on the down-low, but Im just starting to get into taking it to a new level. As soon as I learn how to buy/make a website, Im going to do a bit more spreading of words and fun. Ive checked out a bunch of sites out there and they all have great info, I just think I want my own to put on the stickers Im going to make. Im going to spend my spring break making stickers and figuring out the website deal, so if anyone has tips, let me know!

you ladies are phenomenal