Episode 033: Menstrual Justice & Shattering The Stigma with Anita Diamant

Anita Diamant is a New York Times best-selling novelist, journalist and the author of multiple books on menstrual equity – including Period. End of Sentence., based on the Oscar-winning documentary of the same name. 

In this episode, Anita shares wisdom and stories from her acclaimed books on menstrual equity; dives into her personal journey as a menstrual health author and advocate; unpacks the connection between power, period shame and gender equity; and leaves us with hopeful words about the future of the menstrual movement. Tune in below!

Highlights:

• What inspired Anita to join the fight for menstrual justice 
• The story behind Anita’s partnership with The Pad Project when writing her most recent book, Period. End of Sentence.
• All about Anita’s first menstruation-themed book, The Red Tent, and the movement it inspired
• The relationship between “period talk” and gendered power dynamics
• The prevalence of menstrual stigma and its role in driving gender inequity throughout generations 
• Unique challenges faced by incarcerated menstruators
• Why Anita believes today’s young people have the power, passion and resolve to finally change the menstrual equity paradigm 

Connect:

Website: https://anitadiamant.com

Twitter: @AnitaDiamant

Facebook: Author Anita Diamant

Bio:

Anita Diamant is the author of thirteen books. Period. End of Sentence, is her most recent. Her first novel, New York Times bestseller, The Red Tent, has been published in more than 25 countries, won the 2001 Booksense Book of the Year Award and was adapted into a two-part miniseries by Lifetime TV. 

Anita’s other bestselling novels include The Boston Girl, Day after Night, The Last Days of Dogtown, and Good Harbor. She has written six non-fiction guides to contemporary Jewish life: The Jewish Wedding Now, The Jewish Baby Book, Living a Jewish Life, Choosing a Jewish Life, How to Raise a Jewish Child, and Saying Kaddish. Anita’s book, Pitching My Tent, is drawn from twenty years-worth of newspaper and magazine columns. As an award-winning journalist, her articles and essays have appeared in the Boston Globe Magazine, Real Simple, Parenting, Hadassah, Reform Judaism, Boston Magazine and Yankee Magazine. 

Anita is the founding president of Mayyim Hayyim: Living Waters Community Mikveh, a 21st century reinvention of the ritual bath as a place for exploring ancient traditions and enriching contemporary Jewish life. She grew up in Newark, New Jersey and Denver, Colorado, and graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a degree in comparative literature. She also holds a master’s degree in English from Binghamton University.

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