After Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris nominated Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate in the 2024 election, rumors began circulating online that Walz had signed a law requiring Minnesotan schools to stock tampons in boys’ bathrooms (archived):

The claim appeared several times on X, Reddit, and Facebook. The posts had accumulated tens of thousands of views as of this writing and earned Walz the sarcastic moniker “Tampon Tim” (archived):

Menstrual Products for ‘Menstruating Students’

In 2023, Walz signed a school funding bill into law containing a provision that guaranteed access to free menstrual protection to Minnesota students from the fourth through the 12th grade. This legislation required all school districts and charter schools to stock menstrual products, and the language of the law was gender neutral. It read (emphasis ours):

A school district or charter school must provide students with access to menstrual products at no charge. The products must be available to all menstruating students in restrooms regularly used by students in grades 4 to 12 according to a plan developed by the school district. For purposes of this section, “menstrual products” means pads, tampons, or other similar products used in connection with the menstrual cycle.

While the law did not specifically mention boys’ bathrooms, it also did not restrict the rule to female or girls’ bathrooms. Paired with the laws protecting children’s access to gender-affirming care, schools that do not provide gender-neutral restrooms would have to stock boys’ bathrooms with such products to allow transmasculine students — that is, students who are either trans boys or students born female whose gender expression is masculine — to access them. Therefore, the claim is true.

‘Tampon Tim’ Goes Viral

Megyn Kelly, the conservative television show and podcast host whom former U.S. President Donald Trump once attacked for having “blood coming out of her wherever,” embraced the monicker “Tampon Tim” as criticism of this and other of Walz’s policies (archived):

But in 2024, talk of menstruation was no longer taboo in the public and political sphere. Far from putting people off, the fact that Walz supported such a law was, to many, a demonstration of empathy and good judgment, including from former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton (archived):

https://x.com/HillaryClinton/status/1821189725849276644

MONTROSE, Minn. — In the rolling fields of Montrose, Minnesota, two local heroes are sowing the seeds of a new life.

“More than a passion in the sense that every day has given me more. Without Tom and this farm, I wouldn’t have my two children,” Char’reise Norris said.

Tom and Char’reise Norris are two veterans who traded in their uniforms for overalls, finding solace and purpose in the field of agriculture.

“The effects of being outside or even just seeing lots of green stuff is very positive for our minds, our bodies and then working with the animals on the farm,” Tom Norris said. “Something that needs you every day to keep going is a big positive motivating factor for many people with PTSD.”

Veteran’s Farming Initiative is a nonprofit that helps veterans and their families heal and learn through specialized farming programs. Starting in 2020, they have had almost 30 veterans come through their farm.

“I suffered through a lot of PTSD,” Tom Norris said.

After nearly three decades of combined service, both experienced feelings of loneliness, isolation and frustration after retiring. They wanted to help veterans going through the same thing.

“If our communities grow stronger then we’re all able to contribute to helping more people,” Tom Norris said.

When not on the farm, you can find them at west metro farmers markets, selling their products and growing their community. They’re planting the roots of camaraderie and resilience alongside their produce.

“We have some of the best customers you could ask for. A lot of them become like friends,” Tom Norris said.

Their commitment to their new cause is evident in the sacrifices they make.

“All the proceeds go right back to support the daily farm functions and programming we don’t pay ourselves at this time,” Char’reise Norris said.

While the path from battlefields to farm fields is not without its challenges, they say the rewards are profound nurturing a new sense of purpose and community among cultivating crops.

“This is what drives us and keeps us grounded and centered because without it, I personally don’t know if I’d still be here,” Char’raise Norris said.

To learn more about the Veteran’s Farming Initiative, click here.