BEYOND BLOOD

A recent exhibition by gender-diverse artists pushed back against the idea that menstruation is tied to womanhood

- STORY: THANA BOONLERT

At 13, Chalandala menstruated for the first time but it gradually caused her to feel alienated from her body. "It was a signal that I would assume responsibilities of a woman's role," she told Life.

A couple of years ago, when Chalandala came out as non-binary, she expressed her struggle through art. Her first comic poem explored the impact of periods on job performance and taboo topics such as sexual desire. In her second piece, Blood Moon Creature, she shared a self-portrait and personal reflection that revolved around being born into an unchosen body that expects womanhood.

"I couldn't relate to menstruation. It is a reminder that I never chose this body," she said. "If I have a womb, am I reduced to a baby machine? Can art be a creative outlet for sexual desire or energy?"

Her artwork was on view in an exhibition titled "Moonblood Festival 2025: Diversity Of Menstruation" at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre from Sept 2-7. Day/DM, a group of feminists who campaign for sexual and reproductive health, organised the event to change misconceptions about periods. Supported by the Planned Parenthood Association of Thailand, the event featured over 40 pieces from youths and queer artists.

Pratima Ruksachon, co-founder of Day/DM, said menstruation and the womb are often linked to womanhood which shows that the body is socially constructed.

"Our identity is determined by ourselves, not by organs," they said. "This exhibition provides a platform for artists to discuss gender and sexuality in public."

Some broke the link between menstruation and womanhood. Others dispelled period myths. In Hijab With Period Blood Face Mask, Mariakiram viewed menstrual blood as natural secretion rather than impure substance, as propagated by Islam. In