For nearly my entire life I've believed that my "private parts" were something too secret to ever discuss. So for a long time, I really struggled with understanding femininity and its role in my life because I didn't understand my own body or my own self as a woman. (And on a side note, I wasn't real fond of piercing until college). Now put those two together and you're wondering how I could possibly be writing about getting my hood pierced.
At A Glance Author southern bell Contact southern bell@bme.anon When A month ago Artist Patrick Studio Bound By Design Location Denver About eight months ago a friend told me that piercing could be "a truly meaningful experience" and I thought he was crazy. This is the shortened story of how I began to understand that.......
Sometime in college I got used to piercings and decided I wouldn't mind having something facial done. My friend sent me to BME's website to get some ideas and to broaden my piercing knowledge and thus began many hours of research. Over the next several months I began accepting my fate as a woman as a good thing and beginning to change my belief that my body and "parts" were not dirty, but are who I am. And thanks to a friend, I could see myself as beautiful, allowing me to be vulnerable and honest. I was finally ready to get my piercing....
So my friend took me to the shop, but the piercer was gone for the night. I was so nervous and scared the way there, but found myself a bit disappointed. So about two weeks later I ended up getting my nose pierced instead, which definitely prepared me for the next piercing event.
The day after Christmas I was ready to go back. My friend took me to the shop, but again the piercer was not there. I wasn't going to give up as easily this time, so we headed to another shop. I was really nervous about the piercer being a guy, so it took me a while once we got there to decide to really go for it. Once I saw the piercer I knew it would be ok. I had decided on a vertical hood, so I chose a plain silver barbell; filled out the paperwork; paid; and then waited for about fifteen minutes for them to prep. I was so nervous I had to go outside to breath. I kept asking myself if this is what I really wanted, but I knew if I had come this far, I had to follow through. I felt like I knew myself and my body much better than before, and it was like staking a claim... "This is mine, and I'm proud of it" haha... that's a hard thing to do, but I had to do it.
The piercer, Patrick, came to get me, talked me through the process and told me to take off my pants. That was definitely the hardest part. Taking off your pants in front of a total stranger does not come easily to me. About three or four minutes later I was seated spread eagle in front of the piercer, with my friend behind me (and he was so great—the best encourager and support I know). Patrick (who was incredible and kept me calm and comfortable) walked me through the process again, told me what to expect, had me lay back (I think I was in shock because I don't remember anything he said), and I held on to my friends' hands and waited for the pain. It was so quick—the pain was less than ten seconds and was just sharp and quick. He put in the jewelry; I took a look at it and was so relieved to have my pants on again. I couldn't feel it, even though I walked funny just out of paranoia. I got my cleaning instructions and we left. I was so proud of myself. I had just c laimed pride in myself and my identity.
It's been about a month now; and it has healed really well and quickly. I did salt water soaks for about two weeks; but they say the best way to clean is to urinate as normal. It was a swollen and a little bruised for a few days; but once that went away I was pleased with how it looked. I wondered about the physical aspects due to its location, but if I don't want to feel it, I don't—it's not constantly rubbing or anything. However, there are subtle reminders when I move certain ways.
I'm glad I went through with it; although I think now I'm a bit addicted to piercings....
For me, piercing my hood was taking ownership of my body, of being proud of who I am, and maybe a little for the excitement of knowing I have a shiny new secret.