Denver considers name change for feminine hygiene products

Photo byColter OlmsteadonUnsplash

A Denver City Council committee will consider Tuesday changing the term “feminine hygiene products” to the more inclusive “menstrual hygiene products” in city sales tax documents.

Consumers do not pay tax on pads or tampons in Denver, according to a presentation by City Council member Paul Kashmann to the Finance and Governance Committee. “Gender-neutral language shifts cis–centered dialogue creating more inclusive spaces,” the presentation states. Cisgender means identifying biologically as a man or a woman.

Why language matters

In Kashmann’s presentation, he explains that Generation Z is far more likely to describe their gender across a spectrum than Generation X or Baby Boomers before them. He noted that LGBT people suffer discrimination. He said a study by Kantar Consulting in 2017 showed discrimination occurs on social media, with 40% reporting it; at work or school, with 33% experiencing discrimination; 32% reported discrimination while shopping and 24% said it occurred when applying for a job.

Further, according to the presentation, a 2023 study by UCLA Law School showed:

· 81% OF transgender adults in the U.S. have thought about suicide.

· 42% of transgender adults have attempted suicide.

· 56% have engaged in non-suicidal self-injury over their lifetimes.

· 50% of non-binary and trans youth considered suicide.

The presentation also explains what other cities have done around menstrual products. New York state adopted an ordinance like Kashmann proposes, while Canada requires menstrual products to be provided in all restrooms, regardless of gender, in federally regulated workplaces. The country also uses gender neutral language to refer to menstrual products.

Public hearing scheduled

A public hearing on the proposed name change will be at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 13. To sign up to speak, go to www.denvergov.org/councilpublicinput.

Even if the committee approves the name change, the full City Council must approve it twice more to become law.