"Which Gay Man Has A Menstrual Cycle?" Smriti Irani On Including LGBTQIA+ Community In Menstrual Hygiene Policy

Smriti Irani, the Union Woman and Child Development Minister responded to the question of whether the draft menstrual hygiene policy will also include LGBTQIA+ community. The minister asked, “which gay man, without a uterus, has a menstrual cycle?”. The response was to a qaustion raised by RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha on December 13 during a debate on the policy in Rajya Sabha.

In an interview given to ANI, Smriti Irani said, “He (Manoj Jha) wants me to provide and answer about how can I provide for their (LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY) menstrual hygiene. For gay men, is it applicable?”. Earlier on December 13, the Union Minister for Woman and Child Development has commented on the idea of mandatory paid menstrual leave for woman employees.

She said, “We should not propose issues where women are denied equal opportunities just because somebody who does not menstruate has a particular viewpoint towards menstruation,”.

In October, the government released a draft Mensural Hygiene Policy advocating leave provision in the workplaces for women mensurating. “Educational Institutions and workplaces to promote inclusivity, recognize the diverse needs of the workforce and foster an environment that supports the well-being and productivity of all individuals. Provisions like flexible working arrangements, such as work from home or support leave, to accommodate the specific needs of individuals during menstruation. It is important to emphasize that such arrangements should be available to all, to prevent perpetuating stigmas or assumptions about productivity based on menstrual cycles,” the draft stated.