An area artist and educator is hoping to spark more discussion about a controversial topic: the vulva.
Fran Bouwman, educator, artist and founder of Viva la Flying Vulva, is hosting The Vulva Dialogues at the Simcoe Street Theatre in Collingwood on Nov. 21.
“I wanted to provide the public an opportunity to participate more in a topic I think is still quite unfamiliar to most people,” said Bouwman, who grew up in Meaford. “I thought it would be cool to gather some beautiful human beings who are well-versed in their own desire to improve communication.”
The event will include a panel discussion facilitated by Bouwman with speakers Haundenosaunee artist Brit Ellis (Blu Hummingbird), founder of Pretty River Red Tent Nikki Zavitz, co-founder of Everlove Dan Fotopoulos, LGBTQ+ advocate Karen Houle and sex therapist Lisa Pelletier.
“I’m offering as (many) diverse perspectives as I can,” said Bouwman. “They’re each coming with their own topic they’d like to introduce to the audience and one another and see what the other panellists have to say.”
The first half of the evening will be purely for panellist discussion. The group will break for an intermission, at which time attendees can write down and submit questions for the panel to tackle after intermission.
“I don’t think a lot of people really understand how complex the vulva actually is,” she said. “I think every woman has really felt the pressure that to express sexuality carries shame.”
Bouwman says what has been missing in Western culture for many years, and in her opinion is still missing, is a sense of reverence for the vulva, vagina, uterus and the capacity to carry life.
“It’s incredible and beautiful,” she said. “Many years ago, the vulva was revered and sacred. I’d like to bring that back.”
“I know this will be transformative. It’s fun to talk about something that used to be so taboo,” said Bouwman.
For more information on The Vulva Dialogues, click here.
