In a wide range of publications – whether it's women's magazines, news, scientific and medical statements, or government communications – the term "labia" appears. The term for the body part it refers to – the labia – originates from a time and society that is no longer ours. In fact, the term is due for a change.

Previous succes

This change does not stand alone. A few years ago, almost everywhere people spoke about the "vagina" (the birth canal) when the author of the text actually meant the "vulva" (the visible part on the outside). Through the work of many, including The Vulva Gallery, the correct term has resurfaced, and the genitals of people with a vulva are no longer reduced to a birthing function. Language matters, and the use of terminology can make a big difference.

Solution

With a small adjustment in terminology, by replacing the negative term "schaamlippen" with the anatomically correct term "vulvalippen" (Ellen Laan, 2021) from now on, you do your readers a favor. This way, at least in your publication, your readers are not continuously confronted with the subliminal message that there should be a sense of shame associated with a completely natural part of the body. Isn't that something you would wish for everyone? Let alone your readers :)

Join us

Contact us by filling out the form below. We will add you to the list of participating (media) parties and send you information – a pledge and visuals – that you can use to announce your participation to your readers.