A Mile in New Shoes

Experiencing Womanhood for the First Time

Over the next few weeks, I'll continue to explore my intersectional identities and how understanding intersectionality can help us create a more inclusive church that presents a more beautiful gospel. If you missed the previous installments, you can catch up on White Jesus and Layering the Indo Experience.

Today, we're diving into the complex layers of womanhood and how intersectionality shapes our experiences.

A Taste of Womanhood

I felt incredibly feminine when I woke up that day. I'm not sure if it was the hormones, my freshly waxed legs, or the fact that I had finally embraced my true self. Regardless, I went out of my way to enhance that experience by putting on my cute shorts, styling my hair just right, and doing my best to apply some makeup. I checked myself out one last time in the large mirror right at the entrance of our front door before finally heading out to do groceries for the day. As I walked into the store, everyone greeted me. I heard a "How you doing, ma'am" over my shoulder, and it seemed like the day couldn't have been more euphoric. Until it wasn't.