The First Day

"The First Day," 2022, 1920 x 1080 MP4 video, 11s For menstruators, blood represents the firsts. We see blood on the first day we are considered fertile ("a woman" by heteronormative cisgendered standards). (sometimes) We bleed the first time we have intercourse. Monthly blood marks the first day of our biological cycles, and blood appears when we give birth to new life. Blood is evidence of feminine power, and despite its prevalence in our experience, we are forced to hide it and be ashamed of it. We are taught that it is "dirty" and and concealed in order to make others feel comfortable. We grow up in fear of our own bodies, as our elders urge us to hide, and as our peers survey our bodies to make sure there are no traces of blood - no trace that reminds them of our power.