I had to do a little art project for my social practice class and I felt like sharing.

We were meant to show in this project how mainstream society has mischaracterized us as individuals. Being a lower-middle class white girl, I don't believe I have much to complain about. However, the one thing that has been on my mind is the recent issue surrounding birth control.

I have been trying to get on BC recently, and so this event hit me hard. It breaks my heart how people have stereotyped women who need BC as lazy whores. What hurt the most in my personal life was that my mom--the one person who has always been on my side--judged me for wanting to get on BC so that I could be intimate with my boyfriend, whom I have a very loving and committed relationship with. I am 20 years old, and so though she went with my to my first OBGYN appt and helped me navigate the health insurance costs, she has made it very clear that she is ashamed of my decision, which breaks my heart.

I love my mom and I respect her, but I refuse to let her judgements--and the judgements of society--shame me into allowing others be the master of my body. It is my body, it is my choice.