- Content warning: this story contains information about sexual assault and/or violence which may be triggering to survivors. -

I was ashamed of my vulva from as early as I can remember. I started growing hair earlier than my peers, I got my period before anyone else, my labia seemed to be much larger than all of the pictures I saw on the internet. I found my vulva to be absolutely humiliating. As I got older it became more difficult. A boy in high school referred to my labia as "beef curtains" and the whole school made fun of me. I was a victim of sexual violence and my vulva felt like a magnet for pain and humiliation. It wasn't until I was in my twenties that I saw an art exhibit featuring thousands of pictures of vulvae that I realized the beauty and power of my own.
I am so glad that people like you are facilitating education and empowerment. I want to be a part of this gallery because I want to demonstrate both confidence and vulnerability. I want to show that the shame we are instilled with by our culture can be conquered and changed.