It is so powerful to look at this photo and realize how much love I have grown for my vulva and my body. This love did not exist for a very long time. I remember the first time I shaved my entire vulva - and the razor burn, irritation and (omg) the itchiness that followed. One time, I tried self-waxing and I left my vulva covered in blood blisters and bruises. Then for a long while, regular Brazilian waxes were a standard part of my routine. However, as I began to grow confidence in my body and sexuality, my relationship with my vulva started to shift. I started to love the way my hair naturally gets thicker and swirls toward the middle, my unique labia lips, and those soft, dark, fine hairs that sprawl out to my thighs. I found myself being drawn to sexual partners who loved and celebrated my body the same way I was trying to. Now I am so insanely lucky to having an amazing, caring girlfriend who never hesitates to reinforce my own love of my vulva, my body and myself. This portrait is actually a present for her :) Of course, self-love and acceptance is such a journey, and I am nowhere near perfect at it, but I do feel really really grateful to be exactly where I am right now.
R. - 27 years old