We asked Victor Chami (@vicchami) to illustrate for us some of our feelings and thoughts around menopause. For those unfamiliar with the term, menopause is the period in which cis-women stop menstruating and their ability to get pregnant is diminished. It usually starts after the age of 45, but can start earlier and is referred to as early menopause. Historically and in many cultures, our value as women is related to our ability to procreate, and due to that, we are looked down upon when we lose that ability. Post-menopause women are desexualized, stripped of their right to feel sexy and attractive, and empathized with since it is always assumed that women always want to be fertile to feel useful. All these are constructed in opposition to men around that age, as they often never stop being fertile, and it is never too late to marry them off.

This is exactly why we wanted to put out these comics. Lets look at all the sides of menopause that patriarchal and medical views of women ignore. Unlike these images of sad and unloved post-menopause women, we are reminded that many women feel so much relief from not having to rely on contraception methods anymore after a certain age. The concept of pleasure is separated from reproductive function and given its own value. No more menstruation? No worries, some of us are actually comforted from the burden of buying overpriced pads and tampons. The quest to find love and form friendships does not have an expiry date. Menopause comes with its fair share of new experiences, some that might be uncomfortable such as vaginal dryness or hot flashes, but it surely has its perks too. Most importantly, it is not a period that defines us, and not one that strips us of our value.