Miami Gal in Berlin
Body hair? To have or not to have? The only correct answer is ‘‘As You WISH Goddess’’!
As a Latin American bicultural child, I was raised with the societal expectation for all females to embody a standard reminiscent of beauty pageant contestants. This meant having pierced ears by the age of two months, a subtle declaration of one's gender to the world. The application of lipstick, nail polish, and undergoing a full bikini wax were considered rites of passage within our culture. Though I was not permitted to wear lipstick until the age of 15, I certainly didn't adhere to that restriction. My rebellious spirit has always been a core part of me. Growing up in Miami, Florida, and frequently escaping high school to venture to South Beach ingrained the notion that being hair-free was non-negotiable in our society. The pressure to maintain smooth skin was undeniably prevalent.
In my twenties, after spending years in Medellin where the predominant beauty standard emphasized removing all body hair, adding fake eyelashes, and undergoing extensive plastic surgery beyond just breast augmentation, I made the bold decision to relocate to New York City at the tender age of 19. There, I pursued my studies in Fashion and found myself in a relationship with a significantly older man. It was during this time that I allowed my natural body hair to grow freely for the first time. Interestingly, he not only embraced but adored my body hair while harboring disdain for his own—a revelation that caught me off guard. I distinctly remember the year being 2000 when, after a night of exquisite dining, revelry, and dancing to Prince's iconic anthem "1999," we drove through the Lincoln Tunnel to New Jersey on New Year's Day.
This relationship greatly impacted my life in a positive way, despite its undeniable imbalance. His intellect was alluring, but his misuse of power dynamics brought about unfortunate consequences. The 36-year age gap between us was undeniable, yet I found myself enamored - until he attempted to confine me. My innate rebellious nature surfaced. After our separation. It was then that I discovered my affinity for unconventional desires, longing for experiences beyond the ordinary. It became clear that I expected my male partners to appreciate what I offered, on my terms. Embracing my personal preferences unapologetically, I held the belief that any discomfort was worth compensating for. If a partner desired a specific grooming standard, financial compensation was non-negotiable. My time and efforts demanded recompense, as I firmly stood by the principle that all services rendered warranted rightful payment.
I continued to find myself wrestling with the internal shame ingrained by societal norms regarding body hair until I relocated to Berlin. It was there that I discovered a wondrous acceptance of body hair within my vibrant queer community – a celebration that bestowed it with a mystical allure. The newfound dialogue surrounding our bodies and the profound art of self-love has been an enriching and deeply appreciated experience.
How do you feel about body hair? Some people embrace their natural hair growth, while others prefer to remove it through various methods such as shaving, waxing, or laser treatments. Cultural and personal preferences play a significant role in shaping individuals' attitudes towards body hair. Let me know how you like your body hair?
Learn who you are & unlearn the social programming!
This blog was inspired by my beautiful Latex dress from LUPAE! The moment I wore this for the first time, I felt a rush of nostalgia sweep over me. It was as if I was transported back to those exhilarating nights in South Beach, sneaking into parties with a fake ID. I couldn't help but smile, reminiscing about the dreams and aspirations of my younger self. My fondness for this outfit only grows as it serves as a symbol of the journey from that spirited 15-year-old to who I am today.
