I would proudly say I'm a feminist but when it comes to my vulva and its surrounding hair my female assurance falters. All I had seen as a teenager was hair and the first few men I was with that's what I had, no issue. As I grew older I became aware that societal expectations didn't agree with mine. What was normal? I obsessed; googled and read articles and quizzed friends. I tried shaving, I feared its effects weren't 'perfect' enough. I got waxed at eighteen, mortified when they asked if I wanted my bumhole done, I couldn't afford to maintain that. I plucked it bare, I still have scars from digging out hairs as they regrew. I epilated. At uni I shaved obsessively, scared of judgement, and it being the 'norm'. Now, I'm happily in a long-term relationship and he reassures me he does not care, but still I shave it all, apologise when I've not kept on top of it. Personally, however, I feel more woman when I'm not bare. I'm working on owning what I am ultimately, personally, most at ease with. So here I am, sharing this image, hair and all.

G – 26 years old