Ready for an Unforgettable Journey of Strength and Resilience?

We’re kicking off season 3 with a conversation with Ally Hensley, a woman who was born with a rare condition called Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) Syndrome, resulting in the absence of a vagina and reproductive organs. Our conversation follows her relationship with her body before and after diagnosis, and talks about her personal healing journey to unlearning the feelings of shame she came to feel surrounding sex and sexuality.

Today, Ally is an author, speaker, writer, and advocate for women’s reproductive health.

Show Notes

[00:00:09] Introduction by Michelle:
Michelle opens the episode by posing a thought-provoking scenario about adolescence, expectations, and the shock of discovering one's body is different, setting the stage for Ally's story.

[00:00:30] Ally's Diagnosis:
Ally Hensley recounts her personal experience with MRKH, discovered during her teenage years when she did not get her period, leading to a diagnosis that would forever change her perspective on womanhood and belonging.

[00:01:37] Emotional Impact and Isolation:
Ally discusses the emotional turmoil of growing up with MRKH, the societal pressures of womanhood, and the unique challenges of navigating adolescence with a condition few understand.

[00:02:08] Humor and Societal Norms:
Despite the challenges, Ally recalls moments of humor and the lengths she went to fit into societal norms, highlighting the complexity of identity and the desire to belong.

[00:02:38] Disclosure and Shame:
Ally talks about the internal battle with disclosing her condition, confronting shame, and finding the courage to speak her truth.

[00:03:37] Acceptance and Community:
The conversation shifts to Ally's path towards acceptance, the power of community, advocacy, and the importance of unlearning shame associated with MRKH.

[00:05:00] Sexual Education and Discovery:
Ally discusses the shortcomings of sex education, her personal exploration of sexuality, and the journey of creating her own vagina, reflecting on societal expectations and the pursuit of "typical".

[00:09:14] Medical Journey:
Ally shares her experience navigating the medical world at 16, the options presented for treatment, and the impact of her condition on family dynamics and personal growth.

[00:12:46] Stigma and Silence:
The discussion delves into the societal stigma surrounding MRKH, the importance of open dialogue, and the ongoing struggle against shame and secrecy.

[00:17:49] Womanhood and Identity:
Ally reflects on the concepts of womanhood, motherhood, and the societal pressures that define female identity, emphasizing the need for a broader, more inclusive understanding.

[00:24:28] Reconnecting with the Body:
Ally discusses the complex relationship between pain, pleasure, and body disconnect, sharing her journey towards healing and reconnecting with her body and sexuality.

[00:32:06] Overcoming Shame:
The episode concludes with Ally offering ideas for others struggling with shame, emphasizing the importance of community, self-acceptance, and challenging societal norms.

Closing Remarks by Michelle:
Michelle wraps up the episode, highlighting the significance of Ally's story in challenging silence and shame around sex and identity, and directs listeners to Ally's podcast, "Stigma Shakers," for more insights and inspiration.

Where to Find Ally:

Instagram: @Ally_Hensley

Website: https://allyhensley.com/

Podcast: Stigma Shakers

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/allyhensley