Chella Quint OBE

Chella Quint OBE is an educator, author, and activist who has been a transformative force in menstrual literacy. She founded the global Period Positive movement, working tirelessly to make menstruation education inclusive, accessible, and led by marginalised voices. Chella created Adventures in Menstruating zine in 2005 and coined the term “period positive” in 2006 to acknowledge that talking publicly about menstruation was a positive act. Using creative research techniques based in joy, curiosity and humour, she’s facilitated collaborative print zines, design sprints, performances, and resources, introducing groundbreaking approaches to addressing period shame and taboos in education and beyond. She was awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2024 for services to education and menstrual literacy.

Chella is passionate about inclusion and has collaborated with young people, teachers, schools, and parents to develop an award-winning research project that integrates menstrual literacy education school-wide, alongside the Period Positive Pledge, supported by a Global Champions network. Through playful, immersive learning experiences, she empowers participants to lead in this free, voluntary project and supports policymakers in updating legislation with taboo-free, inclusive approaches. The Period Positive Schools Awards and Period Positive Places Awards, established to recognise those committed to auditing their organisations’ policies and practices in line with the movement’s framework, continue to receive widespread praise.

Chella’s bestselling books, Own Your Period and Be Period Positive, offer a fresh perspective on menstruation, blending inclusivity with practical advice. Formerly a drama teacher and head of PSHE, Chella also shines in science communication; her 5-star Edinburgh Fringe show Adventures in Menstruating entertained audiences of all genders. She was an on-screen contributor and script advisor to the International Emmy-nominated CBBC Newsround Special, Let’s Talk About Periods, and developed the Menstrual Literacy for All curriculum, piloted in 2023, impacting policy and practice across the UK and globally.

As a queer, disabled, Brooklyn-born migrant, she has proudly campaigned for inclusive menstrual literacy reforms and is also an influential disability advocate for accessibility in education, board games, videogaming, and cycling. She supports Sheffield and Yorkshire-based disabled cycling charities, frequently testing the limits of e-trikes through train journeys, bike polo, and critical mass rides.

Her activism is grounded in accessibility, empowerment, and inclusivity. Her nearly two decades of dedication have made her a role model for fellow educators, artists, activists, and those beginning their menstrual research journeys—a testament to her ability to create spaces where she and others can thrive.