body
Feminism demands a future free of fat shaming, body obsession and the male gaze.
My Second First Time
Your first experience with anything dictates your feelings subconscious and otherwise. My first sexual experience was a rape. I didn’t want to be scathed in any way. So I decided I wouldn’t be. I was young, I still had time to have impactful experiences. I’d just make an effort to do a bunch of other stuff and effectively knock this one out of the ring. I was desperate to have a sexual experience that could replace the assault. I wanted a first time story I could tell in drinking games. It had to hold up while reminiscing with friends, laughing about how short it was, how uncomfortable, how I had grown frustrated with fumbled buttons and clasps and done the damn thing myself. Unfortunately life and I weren’t on exactly the same page on that front, so I would create one.
Verdabelle StonessPublished 5 years ago in Viva- Top Story - August 2019
Discipline, Control, Outrage, and a Mannequin
This piece was originally published on Medium. An Unruly Mannequin Like so many others, I saw the Nike Mannequin madness unfold on my social feed first.
Jennifer ZevenPublished 5 years ago in Viva Lucy Green Eyes
It was going on eight in the evening. The church meeting had let out late, but I didn’t mind because I got to play with my friends and talk about the upcoming Halloween party that the teacher was going to have for us. While we waited for Uncle Lee to hitch the mule to the wagon to take us home, Mama realized she’d left her brown paper bag containing such items as peppermint balls, Vaseline, her handkerchief and some medicine on one of the pews.
Paulette BenjaminPublished 5 years ago in VivaHow I Realised I Am a Part of the Me Too Movement
When the #metoo movement surfaced, I first didn’t think I had anything in common with it. "That hasn’t happened to me, I don’t know what they mean.” My second approach after reading countless stories on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and everywhere else all these strong women were sharing their stories was, “Okay, well, maybe I have some experiences, BUT I’m too shy and embarrassed to let the world know.” I’m obviously all for women empowerment and women rights, but it was different when it was about me. I didn’t have the courage, and what would my parents say? Would they be disappointed? Embarrassed?
Hanna ReneviPublished 5 years ago in VivaWhat Is a Vulva?
Usually, when we are discussing private parts there are the usual words that come up like penis and vagina. There is also a whole list of colorful slang that people use when referring to their genitals. These words can be silly sounding and encourage us to relax when talking about sex. They can also be used with the intent to be insulting or shameful towards someone else.
Teela HudakPublished 5 years ago in VivaWhen Do We Have Informed Consent in Sex?
As conversations about consent continue to become more commonplace, more and more people are looking at sexual consent in new ways that they never have before. Consent is about more than just desire. We are constantly analyzing a number of factors, even subconsciously, to determine what our consent will be. Our answers may change based on the specifics of the situation or the person or people involved. Sometimes we consent to things and find out extra information after. This can be upsetting if we feel that information would have changed our choice before the activity. Being able to make an informed decision is an important piece of the consent process.
Teela HudakPublished 5 years ago in VivaMy Story Begins
I am not sure of writing the story of my life and to let it be known. What I am sure is that the only way to liberate myself of this internal jail is through forgiveness. I also know that my first language is not English, however this is a universal language that most of the people in the world speak and I would like my story to be shared with everyone. I would try to give my best.
Sally StortonPublished 5 years ago in VivaFourth Trimester
First things first, there is a Fourth Trimester. Whenever I first heard this, I honestly thought I heard wrong. ‘Tri- … Three, people! Duh’
Learning to Birth—Call for Speakers
Introducing a new online birth education platform “Learning to Birth” where expectant mums learn from experts how to give birth calmly, easily, on time, at home, or in hospital—your way and on your terms.
Akasha IndreamPublished 5 years ago in VivaSummer Ready—Or Not?
Hey everyone—it is officially summer time! If you are anything like me, you are sadly unprepared for the summer time when it comes to going to the beach or the pool. I live about three miles from the beach and I still do not even have my beach body ready, if I am completely honest. The winter completely wrecked me with my health as far as being able to work out. I know it is no excuse, but it was to the point where I could hardly do much without a ton of pain. Thank goodness—now that it is summer time—I am feeling much better and almost completely pain free!
Katheryn ComptonPublished 5 years ago in VivaThe Controlling Fear
That night was the night that changed my life forever. Changed my view on men and even changed the way I walk around town. I would have never gone to that dance if I knew what was going to happen. Now, every time that I see him, my body goes cold and I struggle to catch my breath. That monster ruined my life for good and there is no changing that now. I just wish that someone would believe me when I tell them the truth about him.
Natalie C..Published 5 years ago in VivaI Am Not My Skin
My skin in August 2018 Honey was the first natural product that did wonders for my skin as I stayed consistent. Since Jan 2018, I've fallen in love with honey. I've been using Honey for moisture, lightening dark spots, and drawing out harmful bacteria. Also I've used apricot scrub exfoliant to get rid of dead skin cells. I used these products faithfully since January. This skin care routine is under 10 bucks and works well for me. My acne is still present but much more controllable. I've incorporated more water and cut a lot of sweets from my diet. Other natural remedies that have worked for me beside honey are as follows:
Shebra CurtisPublished 5 years ago in Viva