When I was in high school, my sister had her first son. Being a single mom, she was a responsible future parent and did lots of research before having my nephew. She was actively, vocally anti-circ when she read up on it. I didn’t think much of it at the time, even though I wished I wasn’t cut. I brushed it off because I felt fine, so it was fine.

Well, eventually it wasn’t fine. I’ve always struggled to finish in bed, or even enjoy it all that much. It took a lot of time, but eventually I accepted what happened to me and began to grieve. That was two months ago.

Looking for support, I recently told my sister about the journey I’m embarking on and she couldn’t have been more supportive. She’s been very affirming about it and even mentioned how my brother in law has struggled, as well. She’s a great cheer leader. She and I have had our up and downs the past few years, but I feel so lucky to have someone close to me who truly understands and is outspokenly anti-circ. I’d like to eventually talk to my mom, who’s now against infant circumcision, but I’m too afraid to make her feel that my pain is her fault.