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Embracing Body Autonomy: Hairy Pits and Top Surgery

general trans advice life Jul 19, 2024
Three pictures of Renée

Let's talk about something crucial—body autonomy and the freedom to make choices about our own bodies. I've had top surgery, which ruffled some feathers, but most people in my life and ecosystem were fine with it, and I'm so grateful for that! But what really seems to spark controversy is that I don't shave my armpits!!

My Body, My Choices

Here's the bottom line: I get to change what I want to change. It's my body, my decisions. I believe everyone should have the right to choose what they do with their own bodies without societal pressure.

Celebrating Hairy Pits

Now, about my hairy pits. I personally love them. There's no profound reason behind it—it simply doesn't bother me. Hair grows there naturally, so why should I mess with it? If anyone has an issue with my pits, they can suck a lemon. Honestly, it's how I'm naturally made, and I'm embracing that.

The Toe Hair Dilemma

On the flip side, I can't stand having hair on my big toes. Yes, hair grows there too, but unlike my pits and legs, I find it annoying. So, those toes get shaved. It's all about what makes me comfortable and happy in my own skin.

Challenging Societal Expectations

The humorous side of this is how people react. You make one change, like getting top surgery, and they’re upset. Then you don't change something else, like shaving your pits, and they're still upset. It's a no-win situation with some people, and that's where the importance of body autonomy shines through. You can't live your life trying to satisfy everyone's expectations.

The Bigger Picture of Bodily Autonomy

The essence of this issue is quite simple: the only opinion that truly matters about your body is yours. I've embraced my hairy pits because I love them, and I shave my toes because I don't like the hair there. It's as straightforward as that.

Embracing Individual Choices

Remember, you have the right to make decisions about your body. Whether it's opting for a major surgery or choosing to let your body hair grow, the choice is yours. If anyone has a problem with that, they can take it up with the universe—after all, it made you this way.

So, let's celebrate our right to bodily autonomy and continue to make choices that make us feel comfortable and authentic. Until next time, keep embracing your unique self!

Hi, I'm Renée! (they/them)

I'm a queer, nonbinary, and disabled singer, songwriter and gender-affirming voice teacher. 

I've been a voice teacher for over twelve years, I have four full-length albums out, and I have degrees in physics, jazz, and songwriting.

I love creating, I love figuring things out, but most of all, I love helping people.

Learn more about me

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