Liverpool University student Yasmin Gasimova started an internet firestorm this week when she penned a simple but bold essay about why she doesn't shave her body hair, Cosmopolitan reports.
In a piece originally written for her school paper very clearly titled "I Don't Shave and I'm Not Going To Start," the 19 year-old student recounts her personal grooming history, admitting that she started shaving at the age of 10 after boys made fun of her body hair. (An unfortunate social situation that should surprise no one.) A young Gasimova quickly changed her mind, however, and concluded at the ripe old age of 11 that shaving was as painful (thanks, in-grown hairs) as it was time-consuming. (Miley and Madonna agree.)
"In a society where women are expected to shave, I’m not ashamed to admit I don’t," the bold Brit begins, before charmingly explaining that "as someone of Turkic origin, [she doesn't] remember ever not having hair."
Photo: Snapchat
Gasimova readily acknowledges in her essay that this no-shaving rule is not all-inclusive; "I admit, I tame my eyebrows so they’re always on fleek, trim my pubes for practical reasons and occasionally control my facial hair. But this takes a lot less effort, and I feel like I’m doing it for myself, instead of only doing it to avoid social suicide."
"I was never self-conscious of my hair, but now I embrace it," Gasimova writes, before going on to proudly state that despite some negative reactions, her body hair has in no way, shape, or form interfered with any of her romantic relationships. "Having body hair doesn't make me feel like I am not sexy. If a guy told me my body hair was gross I would tell him it's not gross and to deal with it."
"Nobody should be ashamed of their natural body. Thinking I need to hide it is only perpetuating society's messed up expectations of women. The only thing which will help is a public exposure to the reality of women's body hair. Most of you will be shocked of course. Many will keep thinking I am gross, but hopefully many will also question why you think this."
Well said, Ms. Gasimova. Considering that personal body hair grooming has been societally in-demand since all the way back in 3,000 BC, we'd say it's about time we took more ownership over our bodies. You do you.