Superdrug launches sanitary products for 'people who menstruate' amid JK Rowling transgender debate

Brand of sanitary towels are made from organic, plant-based materials

( SWNS)

Superdrug has launched a range of sanitary products marketed for “people who menstruate” in light of the author JK Rowling’s tweets about the phrase, which many labelled transphobic.

In June, the Harry Potter author shared a link to an article titled: “Opinion: Creating a more equal post-COVID-19 world for people who menstruate.”

Rowling commented: “’People who menstruate’. I’m sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?”

The author’s remark was immediately met with a backlash from people calling her “transphobic” and pointing out that it’s not just cis-gendered women who menstruate.

Rowling later defended her comments in a divisive essay in which she revealed her experiences of surviving domestic abuse and sexual assault.

Now, Superdrug has created a line of sanitary pads and tampons made from organic, plant-based materials.

On the back of the box, it reads: “A person who menstruates will on average have over 400 periods and use around 11,000 period products in a lifetime.

“However, we understand periods are never average, and so we have created Luna, a range of period products that suit you as an individual.”

Many people have praised the pharmaceutical company for the inclusive language.

“Oh my goodness. I am so, so impressed by Superdrug today; not only are their own brand LUNA pads are entirely plant-based, on the back it says ‘a person who menstruates’. A PERSON. YESSSS,” tweeted one person”

Another added: “This is brilliant! Well done, Superdrug.. Have been a huge fan of the own-brand tampons since I was 15 and this just makes me love the store even more. Period champions!”

A spokesperson for Superdrug said: “At Superdrug, we champion inclusivity and diversity, and are committed to ensuring all of our employees, communities and customers feel seen and included when visiting one of our stores or purchasing one of our products.

“Therefore, we wanted Luna to be as inclusive as possible. 

(SWNS)

“When writing the copy for the products we were aware that there could be customers of this range who are currently transitioning from one sex to another or who identify as Non-Binary but will still be menstruating, alongside the women that use the products.

“We therefore felt ‘person’ was a more inclusive noun to use than ‘woman’.

“We are continuing to review all new products and the language we use throughout the business, to ensure we are being as inclusive as possible.”