" I grew up in a household that didn’t talk about body parts, periods, or sex"

“For as long as I can remember I have been told to close my legs and lower my voice. I grew up in a household that didn’t talk about body parts, periods, or sex. Because of this, I came to believe that my body, and specifically my vulva, was something inherently dirty and wrong. For the majority of my life I didn’t let myself look at my own vulva, much less touch it. In high-school I struggled with disordered eating, losing my period, and accepting my sexuality, but never felt I could express what I was going through to anyone. When I went to college I met a friend who radiated love and self-confidence. I was in awe by the way she carried herself, and by how open she was with her body and sexuality. For the first time in my life, I began to entertain the idea that perhaps my body and vulva could be a source of power and beauty, rather than shame. This friend introduced me to The Vulva Gallery, and I slowly began to feel more comfortable with myself. Now I am so much more accepting of myself, and I am learning to love all of the parts of myself that I was taught to hide. If someone had told my 16-year-old self that four years down the road I would get a portrait of my vulva done by someone I’ve never met, I never would have believed it."

 - I, 20 years old, USA (she/her)