Often quiet, easily overlooked, and markedly undertreated, sexual shame is something many women navigate in darkness and alone. The fact is, sexual shame is common. It can stem from a range of experiences – both direct and indirect – and manifest in a variety of ways. At its core, however, is the firmly-held belief that our bodies aren’t safe spaces to inhabit, let alone enjoy. This dampens intimacy, constricts self-expression, and has the power to diminish the identities of

Perhaps a better word for intimacy is “closeness” including intellectual, spiritual, emotional, physical, and, yes, sexual closeness.