Flying vulva? How peculiar, you might think, or perhaps worse, how inappropriate. I feel that this incredible part of the female anatomy has been shrouded in shame and secrecy for far too long...pretty much since the inception of patriarchy, 5000 years ago. Yikes, that’s a long time! Undervalued, disrespected, misunderstood, and often feared in modern society, the vulva needs to fly free, so that women, men and LGBTQ+ can see it for what it is - a portal of life, pleasure, sensuality, beauty, creativity, sexual energy and power. It is time to move away from fabricated fear and shame and into reverence and joy. Think about it, the clitoris is the only human organ whose sole purpose is to cause pleasure. It has 8,000 nerve endings! What a gift!
Fran Bouwman moving her famous Tree Vulva
My Story
As a sculptor and feminist it’s not surprising that I’ve come to create Viva la Flying Vulva, a project about reclaiming and revitalizing the vulva - a part of the female anatomy that has been practically erased in our society, or on the flip side, gotten a really bad rap.
For the longest time I didn’t even know it was called a vulva. I thought it was called a vagina. I also heard it being called clit, twat, cunt, pussy, box, slit etc. It took me a long time before I realized its true name and I became insistent on calling it a VULVA, which is the exterior of a woman’s sexual anatomy and has ten parts to it. The vagina is something different...it’s the muscular tube that extends from the vestibule of the vulva toward the lower part of the uterus. An important distinction since most of our sexual pleasure comes from the vulva.
So why does this matter? There is important stuff going on down there. Understanding and accepting an essential part of my sexual anatomy makes me care about it. It’s to be explored, celebrated, seen and heard. The more I come to know about it, the more confident I become. And I want other women to experience this as well. I want us all to have a vulva that can fly free and proud!
Supporting this project will shift society's perspectives around the vulva, women's health and equity.
Board Members
Lisa Pelletier
Lisa Pelletier is a highly experienced Registered Marital and Family Therapist and Certified Sex Therapist with the Association of Sex Therapists in Ontario. With over 25 years in the field, she brings extensive clinical expertise in supporting individuals, couples, and families through a wide range of challenges.
Lisa specializes in relationship dynamics, sexuality, separation and divorce, grief, and life transitions. Her work is grounded in a sex-positive, inclusive approach, and she is experienced in addressing diverse aspects of sexuality, including trauma, sexual functioning, medical concerns, aging, and alternative relationship structures such as kink and open relationships.
As a board member of Viva la Flying Vulva, Lisa contributes deep therapeutic insight, compassion, and a strong commitment to helping people navigate their lives with greater understanding, connection, and authenticity.
Shelagh Fox
Shelagh Fox is an accomplished painter and successful entrepreneur who has owned and operated her own gallery for over 20 years. Her artistic practice is rooted in a deep connection to nature and a celebration of all living beings, expressed through richly layered colours and a boundless approach to subject, media, and form.
As a board member of Viva la Flying Vulva, Shelagh brings both creative vision and business expertise, along with a genuine commitment to community. She is known for her generous spirit and her dedication to supporting others in moving forward with their lives and realizing their dreams.
Contact
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.
519-373-2797