Shame
The words we use to describe parts of our bodies are often reflective of how we feel about these body parts. At the same time, these words we use can also affect how we feel and our relationship to these body parts, a case in point being perhaps the most intimate body parts, the genitals.
In German, the word Scham ('shame') is part of multiple words that are commonly used to describe genitals and the pubic area. Pubic hair is Schamhaare, 'shame hair'. The pubic area is the Schambereich, 'shame area'. And the labia are Schamlippen, 'shame lips'.
In this episode I talk to Gunda Windmüller and Mithu Sanyal about their campaign to introduce the term Vulvalippen as an alternative to the term Schamlippen, and in doing so, to reduce the stigma and feelings of shame that are connected with our bodies.
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About this episode's guests
Gunda Windmüller is a journalist and author, and holds a PhD in literature. She also hosts, scripts and develops workshops and podcasts.
Her podcast with Katja Berlin is called Fix und Vierzig, which is "for women from the age of 40 onwards and for those who wish to be" [translated]. While they are not producing new episodes anymore, their backlog of episodes is available to listen to.
Instagram: @gundawindmueller
Podcast: Fix und Vierzig
Website: gundawindmueller.de
Photo © Gunda Windmüller
Mithu Sanyal is a novelist, broadcaster, and cultural critic. She primarily focuses on the topics of feminism, racism, pop culture and postcolonialism.
Her book is called Vulva: Die Enthüllung des unsichtbaren Geschlechts [Vulva: The Uncovering of the Invisible Sex], which is about the cultural history of female genitalia.
Instagram: @mithumelanie
Photo © Mithu Sanyal
This episode was first released on 18th March 2025.
YOTE theme music by Vincent Tone (PremiumBeat.com)