First I heard about this vulva contest thing was through a women’s group chat. Someone shared a post saying it helps with body confidence. Honestly I thought it sounded kinda weird at first. Like why would anyone do that? But curiosity got me so I kept reading people’s stories. Saw tons of ordinary women talking about how free they felt afterwards. That got me thinking maybe it’s worth trying.
Getting Started Felt Awkward
Decided to join last Tuesday night. Went to the official site but almost closed it immediately. Felt super nervous staring at my own body that way. Almost quit right there. But remembered those testimonials so I grabbed a mirror anyway. Took me like twenty minutes just to sit comfortably. My hands were shaking when I tried taking the first photo. Honestly looked like a blurry mess from all the trembling.
Deleted three attempts before calming down. Turned on soft lighting and put on my favorite playlist. That helped a bunch. Finally got one decent shot showing what mine actually looks like without filters. Didn’t feel amazing yet but proud I didn’t chicken out.
What Changed After Submitting
Posted my entry Wednesday morning. Immediately panicked thinking “what if someone recognizes me?” Almost deleted everything but made myself wait. Checked comments every hour like crazy. First response was from this mom of three saying “Mine has stretch marks too! Thanks for showing it’s normal.” Felt like she punched me in the chest with kindness.
Next few days became kinda addictive. Kept refreshing the gallery seeing:
- Teen girls posting their first-ever unedited vulva pics
- Grandmas sharing how childbirth changed their bodies
- Cancer survivors showing reconstruction scars
Started noticing my own mindset shifting. That Thursday shower I actually looked at my body properly for once instead of rushing. Saw the stretch marks and thought “Yeah that’s where my kid grew” instead of “ugh disgusting.” Weird how a simple photo did that.
Why This Actually Works
Think the magic happens in three ways:
- Seeing hundreds of real unposed vulvas makes you realize porn standards are fantasy
- Getting positive comments rewires your self-hate patterns real quick
- Discovering other women’s insecurities match yours cuts shame off at the knees
Was talking with my neighbor about it yesterday. She asked “Isn’t that exhibitionism?” Explained it’s more like the opposite – we’re taking back ownership from creeps and advertisers. Showed her my post’s comments section. She signed up immediately.
This empowerment challenge grows because it hits different than therapy or books. You literally confront your shame, photograph it, then watch strangers celebrate what you hated. Sounds crazy but feeling grateful I did it.
