A new movement, spearheaded by Gen X punk musicians and medical professionals, is challenging the persistent taboos surrounding women's health during menopause and perimenopause. The 'Menopunkapalooza' festival, held recently in Portland, USA, saw a gathering of 750 attendees, including riot grrrl legends and healthcare experts, uniting to sing, laugh, and openly discuss topics many still find difficult to address, such as the benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
The festival commenced with a symbolic application of an oestrogen patch to the drummer Teresa Esguerra, known for her work with Built to Spill and Prism Bitch. It culminated in a rare performance by the riot grrrl pioneers Calamity Jane, their first in 35 years. Throughout the event, artists like Ménage àh Twats, dressed in glittery vulva costumes, performed parodies highlighting common menopause symptoms, while other bands like Berzerk delivered powerful sets. A key moment was the public reading of a 10-point 'hormonal justice Bill of Rights', met with cheers of 'Hormones are healthcare!' from a diverse audience.
Alicia J Rose, founder of Menopunkapalooza, described the event as the beginning of a revolution. Rose, a musician herself, developed the idea after experiencing severe menopausal symptoms that significantly impacted her quality of life and ability to perform. She argues that failures within government and the medical establishment have left middle-aged women inadequately informed about their health options. The festival also served as a fundraising and filming opportunity for an upcoming documentary, also titled 'Menopunks', which will feature musicians such as Pat Benatar, Neko Case, Alice Bag, and Peaches discussing their menopause journeys.
The initiative draws a clear line back to the riot grrrl feminist movement of the 1990s, which originated in the Pacific North-West. That era empowered young women to confront sexism and abuse, with bands like L7 advocating for reproductive rights and Bikini Kill championing 'girls to the front' at punk shows. Many of these bands continue to perform today, inspiring a new generation of artists. The 'Menopunks' movement leverages this legacy of defiant music and collective organising, infused with the wisdom and directness that comes with age. As Gilly Ann Hanner of Calamity Jane put it, having experienced the wave of 90s activism, they now face menopause and are determined to fight for solutions themselves.
The documentary, which Rose hopes to screen at film festivals in 2027, aims to further amplify these voices and ensure that more women are aware of their options. The festival's raw and unfiltered approach, with artists like Peaches confessing how menopause 'affected my confidence in my pussy', highlights the deeply personal and often overlooked impact of this life stage. While the festival took place in the US, its themes of destigmatising women's health and advocating for better medical understanding resonate globally, including in the UK where conversations around menopause are increasingly gaining traction.
Source: Guardian