For a long time I was quite self conscious and squeamish of my vulva. I didn't know what was 'normal' or what any one else's looked like. It was all a bit of a mystery down there for me. I got more and more uncomfortable with my vulva when it came to pubic hair, my period, my sex life and unexpected changes that sometimes occurred.

Not long ago I read a book called 'Manhood : The Bare Reality' by Laura Dodsworth. This book is a series of 100 photographs of penis's alongside personal stories of what each persons penis means to them. The diversity was amazing and the stories so insightful. Reading the book made me consider more my relationship with my own body and my vulva, as well as wondering what a vulva equivalent of the same book would look like. I think it's so so important for people to have these conversations around such taboo topics as they are often so engrained and connected with a persons body confidence and how they see themselves and relate with their own body.

Seeing the vulva gallery has been really inspiring for me. It makes us see that each vulva is a beautiful and unique artwork in its own right. It takes away the secrecy and the embarrassment and celebrates openness, honesty and diversity. Vulvas are our first soft, nurturing, creative, powerful, mystical beautiful gateway into this world and owning one is something to be proud of. I am now full of self love and admiration for my vulva.

P – 27 years old