Nostr notes by Vagina Museum

Sally Ride was the first American woman and first lesbian in ...

2026-04-09T10:03:15Z

Sally Ride was the first American woman and first lesbian in space, first flying in 1983. Before she flew, NASA weren't really sure what a woman in space might need, so suggested providing her with 100 tampons. For a six day mission.

Not really - Sheila/Sheelah was (and remains) a fairly popular ...

2026-03-18T13:42:29Z

In reply to nevent1q…89q9
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Not really - Sheila/Sheelah was (and remains) a fairly popular Irish name, so think of it more like the derogatory use of Paddy for Irish men.

So next time you're in an old church in Britain, Ireland or ...

2026-03-18T12:09:21Z

In reply to nevent1q…jke9
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So next time you're in an old church in Britain, Ireland or western Europe, look up. You might just find a vertical smile beaming down on you.

Other proposed explanations have been that the power of the vulva ...

2026-03-18T12:06:52Z

In reply to nevent1q…k7sn
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Other proposed explanations have been that the power of the vulva is a protective force. Or a wildly different interpretation that the proud hag serves as a warning against lust.

Basically, nobody really knows why these carvings were so popular.

The symbolism of putting stone carvings in a proud pussy-out pose ...

2026-03-18T12:03:35Z

In reply to nevent1q…surw
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The symbolism of putting stone carvings in a proud pussy-out pose all over old churches is also unknown. Possible explanations include survival of a pagan goddess like Cailleach, the hag of Celtic mythology, or wider symbolism of fertility.

The etymology of sheela na gig is likely Irish, possibly rooted ...

2026-03-18T12:00:00Z

In reply to nevent1q…w42u
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The etymology of sheela na gig is likely Irish, possibly rooted in "Sheila of the breasts", "old hag", or related to "gee" or "gig", which is still used as slang for vulva in the north of England, Scotland and Ireland.

The highest concentration of surviving sheela na gigs are in ...

2026-03-18T11:56:29Z

In reply to nevent1q…2m6x
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The highest concentration of surviving sheela na gigs are in Britain and Ireland, but they can be found throughout western Europe. Despite the Irish name, it's likely that they originated in France and Spain and came over with the Normans.

A sheela na gig is a grotesque carving found in churches built ...

2026-03-18T11:52:39Z

In reply to nevent1q…cyaj
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A sheela na gig is a grotesque carving found in churches built around the 11th or 12th century. These carvings depict a figure with an exaggerated vulva, usually holding it open.

Happy Sheelah's Day. This feast, largely no longer celebrated ...

2026-03-18T11:47:11Z

Happy Sheelah's Day. This feast, largely no longer celebrated in Ireland, commemorates either St Patrick's wife or mother, who probably didn't exist. So let's celebrate a similarly-named mysterious figure today instead: the sheela na gig!

Just three (3) in-person tickets to our inaugural Fanniversary ...

2026-03-17T14:18:43Z

Just three (3) in-person tickets to our inaugural Fanniversary Conference remain. If you'd like to join us in the flesh for a day of conversations about the body, book now! We still have good availability for online attendance. https://www.outsavvy.com/event/34172/celebrating-our-fanniversary-feminism-gender-and-justice-in-an-increasingly-reactionary-world

So join us on Tuesday 21st April, online or in-person. Tickets ...

2026-03-13T17:13:44Z

In reply to nevent1q…9lpz
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So join us on Tuesday 21st April, online or in-person. Tickets are free, with a suggested donation so we can do it all again, even bigger, next year https://www.outsavvy.com/event/34172/celebrating-our-fanniversary-feminism-gender-and-justice-in-an-increasingly-reactionary-world

This Fanniversary Conference has been a real labia of love, and ...

2026-03-13T17:12:50Z

In reply to nevent1q…dtdu
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This Fanniversary Conference has been a real labia of love, and it's come to fruition because of support from Open University and DIVA, our wonderful media partner.

The Fanniversary Conference is hybrid. In-person tickets are ...

2026-03-13T17:11:24Z

In reply to nevent1q…fkcl
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The Fanniversary Conference is hybrid. In-person tickets are highly limited, but you can join us from anywhere in the world online. Please note that the afternoon workshop will differ depending if you're online or in person.

The day will begin with a keynote address from the incredible ...

2026-03-13T17:09:37Z

In reply to nevent1q…gha3
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The day will begin with a keynote address from the incredible Lady Phyll. We'll then dive a packed programme of workshops, panels and performances, rounding off with a networking reception where you can meet like-minded researchers, performers and creatives.

The moment you've been waiting for is here! Tickets to our ...

2026-03-13T17:06:03Z

The moment you've been waiting for is here! Tickets to our inaugural Fanniversary Conference are now available. Join us for a day exploring the contemporary role of feminism and gender within law, theatre, and the wider humanities. Spaces in person are very limited, so be sure to book now https://www.outsavvy.com/event/34172/celebrating-our-fanniversary-feminism-gender-and-justice-in-an-increasingly-reactionary-world

This weekend, our exhibition Before the Blood is touring to St ...

2026-03-13T11:00:38Z

This weekend, our exhibition Before the Blood is touring to St Margaret's House. Do come in and support a beautiful East London based arts and wellbeing centre https://www.stmargaretshouse.org.uk/events/before-the-blood-community-and-belonging-from-menarche-to-migration

Today, let's remind you to up your sexting game by taking ...

2026-03-12T11:49:31Z

Today, let's remind you to up your sexting game by taking tips from the 19th century, who were masters of the art https://masto.ai/@vagina_museum/111171084879108432
nostr:note1vuk5tv95yrn0yrxgyw634uweq7t7w2vzvwve3pla3ncdmvwy5tyq69c6jn

the aero, probably.

2025-09-23T12:54:24Z

In reply to nevent1q…wn08
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the aero, probably.

It has become a running theme at this point that the labelling is ...

2025-09-19T13:09:33Z

In reply to nevent1q…mqta
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It has become a running theme at this point that the labelling is wrong. The position of the labels largely reflects where a label *saying* ovaries would go on the diagram, even if the ovaries are, for whatever reason, physically attached to the vagina and not where the label points.

Gain confidence in cunnilingus, navigate awkwardness and learn ...

2025-09-18T10:16:42Z

Gain confidence in cunnilingus, navigate awkwardness and learn how to eat pussy like a champ! Join sex and pleasure educator Luna Matatas wherever you are in the world for an online masterclass on 25th September https://www.outsavvy.com/event/29124/eat-pussy-like-a-champ

Important Update We will be temporarily pausing all online orders ...

2025-09-17T16:43:25Z

Important Update

We will be temporarily pausing all online orders to the USA.

Due to recent changes in trade policy, announced by President Donald Trump on July 30th, significant new tariffs came into effect on August 29th, 2025.

Anyway, we hope nobody needs to hear this today, but... ✨Please ...

2025-09-17T13:46:38Z

In reply to nevent1q…4x8q
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Anyway, we hope nobody needs to hear this today, but...
✨Please never ever squirt Lysol up your vagina✨

So that's how generative AI works... and how it can tell you ...

2025-08-27T10:38:39Z

In reply to nevent1q…vta5
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So that's how generative AI works... and how it can tell you you'll give birth out of your penis-rectum.

Next up, you might be wondering what the little oblong labelled ...

2025-08-27T10:11:34Z

In reply to nevent1q…v0ze
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Next up, you might be wondering what the little oblong labelled "cervix" is. Well, it is absolutely not a cervix, but there is a real body part there; that isn't "hallucinated". That's the pubic symphysis, a cartilaginous joint at the front of the pelvis which frequently appears in sagittal diagrams of the gynaecological anatomy.

Today in AI Is Not A Good Source For Learning About The ...

2025-08-27T09:57:57Z

Today in AI Is Not A Good Source For Learning About The World's Most Misunderstood Body Part, meet this ChatGPT gem.

Funnily enough, we're actually going to talk about how most of this is kinda sorta right (for small values of right), as a cautionary tale about generative AI.

The legs-up-in-stirrups position sometimes used in birth or ...

2025-08-22T11:19:56Z

The legs-up-in-stirrups position sometimes used in birth or gynaecological procedures is called the lithotomy position.

Etymology fans among you might note that this derives from the Greek for "stone cut". Let's explain why...

Since we posted this thread about elephant shrew vaginas (or ...

2025-08-20T10:04:37Z

Since we posted this thread about elephant shrew vaginas (or their lack thereof) we've had a couple of questions and are delighted to share some further resources to answer you... https://masto.ai/@vagina_museum/115055022859828913

So anyway, the median uterus of the elephant shrew is definitely ...

2025-08-19T11:10:30Z

In reply to nevent1q…stvx
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So anyway, the median uterus of the elephant shrew is definitely more similar on a glandular and cellular level to a uterus than a vagina. It's unclear as to why they don't have vaginas, as it's most likely that they evolved to get rid of the vagina and cervix.

Today in Weird Animal Fannies, let's introduce you to the ...

2025-08-19T10:45:24Z

Today in Weird Animal Fannies, let's introduce you to the elephant shrew, a little creature which is neither an elephant nor a shrew, and have a couple of unusual quirks with their set-up...

This is the definition of "uterus" as appears at the top ...

2025-08-13T10:28:00Z

This is the definition of "uterus" as appears at the top of a Google search when you're looking to find the meaning of the word.

...and it contains a MAJOR factual inaccuracy. Let's explain exactly what is so wrong here.

An investigation was launched in 1980, and identified that ...

2025-08-07T10:51:53Z

In reply to nevent1q…pkc4
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An investigation was launched in 1980, and identified that menstruation-related TSS was caused by tampons. And a September 1980 report by the CDC identified that up to 75% of these cases were caused by one specific brand of tampon: Rely.

Hey everyone guess what? IT'S OUR BIRTHDAY! We're eight ...

2025-03-20T11:25:20Z

Hey everyone guess what? IT'S OUR BIRTHDAY! We're eight years old today. And we've defied all odds against us and are still here to celebrate, educate and maybe eat some cake.

First of all, it is important to establish parameters on the ...

2025-03-06T11:23:16Z

In reply to nevent1q…pned
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First of all, it is important to establish parameters on the scope of this question. It is in fact two questions: can you read braille with your clitoris, and does this impact reading speed?

For the purpose of answering this question, we will assume that the OP means the clitoral glans. The glans is the only part of the clitoris which sticks out. The rest of it is beneath the skin of the vulva. Here's what the whole organ looks like; the glans is at the top.

We've been receiving a lot of requests for us to answer this ...

2025-03-06T11:18:53Z

We've been receiving a lot of requests for us to answer this crucial question, and we are delighted to attempt to provide you with the information you need as to whether you can read braille with your clit.

Screenshot via [@skinnylatte](https://hachyderm.io/@skinnylatte )

The Museum of Mankind: Grave Goods Wrapped. For the duration of ...

2025-02-20T11:01:18Z

The Museum of Mankind: Grave Goods Wrapped. For the duration of our Museum of Mankind exhibition, we've been running an engagement activity, encouraging our visitors to think about what they cherish enough to take to the grave. Contemporary grave goods researcher Dr Jennifer Riley has analysed the things you love, and put together this incredible summary! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Kc_QQRx0R9hGuBBrdss2ZJJNJxitDRwg/view?usp=drive_link

Callout post: Human papillomavirus. This little guy might look ...

2025-02-19T15:44:40Z

Callout post: Human papillomavirus.

This little guy might look cute, but HPV causes almost all cervical cancers. Between cervical screening and vaccination against HPV, cervical cancer could be virtually eliminated.

meanwhile on bluesky ...

2025-02-05T15:53:17Z

In reply to nevent1q…0zqc
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meanwhile on bluesky

A delightfully busy Wednesday at the Vagina Museum as we welcomed ...

2025-02-05T15:17:33Z

A delightfully busy Wednesday at the Vagina Museum as we welcomed two school groups today. One group came all the way from France! Self-guided school visits to the Vagina Museum during regular opening hours are 100% free, and we can offer further budget-friendly activities for groups of up to 60. https://www.vaginamuseum.co.uk/learning/schools

And finally, the same principles apply to cum. Just in case any ...

2025-01-16T11:17:02Z

In reply to nevent1q…l683
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And finally, the same principles apply to cum. Just in case any of you need to know that.

If you'd like to learn more about what's in period blood ...

2025-01-16T11:15:58Z

In reply to nevent1q…e9rv
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If you'd like to learn more about what's in period blood now you know how to get the stains off your brand new white trousers, here's a primer... https://masto.ai/@vagina_museum/112892387509272810

Meanwhile, rinsing your bloodstained knickers or sheets in cold ...

2025-01-16T11:14:34Z

In reply to nevent1q…mjpk
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Meanwhile, rinsing your bloodstained knickers or sheets in cold water won't affect the proteins - it'll just rinse the blood right out!

This works best if the stain is reasonably fresh. Once it dries out, the blood will clot and this, too, helps it to bind to the fabric like applying heat.

Blood - and most secretions from the human body - contains a lot ...

2025-01-16T11:09:48Z

In reply to nevent1q…s0t4
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Blood - and most secretions from the human body - contains a lot of protein. The body in general has loads of protein in it, and blood is no exception.

When exposed to heat, such as by rinsing in hot water, blood "cooks". Think about how an egg white is clear-ish, then once it hits the heat it almost immediately goes white and changes texture. The same happens with blood.

Did your period come unexpectedly and now you've got blood ...

2025-01-16T11:07:29Z

Did your period come unexpectedly and now you've got blood stains on your clothes? Always use *cold* water to rinse, and often that'll be sufficient on its own to remove fresh stains. It has to be cold. Here's why.

Over the years, our visitors have kindly contributed translations ...

2024-11-27T17:36:43Z

Over the years, our visitors have kindly contributed translations of our anatomy worksheets into many languages, including Italian, Russian and Mandarin. The latest in the collection is the pareidolia version...

The Vagina Museum is UK-based, so "twat" rhymes with ...

2024-10-18T12:45:46Z

The Vagina Museum is UK-based, so "twat" rhymes with "hat". Speaking of which, how would you like a Twat Hat? https://vaginamuseumshop.co.uk/collections/apparel/products/vulva-beanie-hat

Lots to unpack here. In reality, there aren't a ton of tubes ...

2024-09-11T10:05:25Z

In reply to nevent1q…qj4g
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Lots to unpack here. In reality, there aren't a ton of tubes linking the ovaries to the kidneys. The ovaries also aren't gigantic bunches of grapes about the same size as the uterus. Foetuses don't look like tiny little men doing squats. The uterine tubes are not located at the top of the vagina. The vulva, in reality, doesn't look like a Muppet.

When the First World War ended, suppliers were suddenly left with ...

2024-08-28T10:30:47Z

In reply to nevent1q…2p2c
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When the First World War ended, suppliers were suddenly left with absolutely loads of highly absorbent materials which were no longer being packed into an endless supply of casualties. This was a problem, as it wasn't making them any money. This was the dawn of a huge market for single-use menstrual products.

The brand Kotex hit the market, selling absorbent cellucotton as menstrual pads. And sphagnum was sold for periods, too. Behold, sfag-na-kins!

All the while, the sphagnum moss probably had a much more ...

2024-08-28T10:23:26Z

In reply to nevent1q…34y2
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All the while, the sphagnum moss probably had a much more domestic use. History tends to elide menstruation, so these stories are not usually recorded. However, anyone who lived near a bog would have known all about this highly absorbent moss for soaking up blood. So they likely would have folded layers of sphagnum between cloth to create menstrual pads.

The first recorded use of sphagnum moss in battle was the Battle ...

2024-08-28T10:21:09Z

In reply to nevent1q…2l6u
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The first recorded use of sphagnum moss in battle was the Battle of Clontarf in 1014: Irish warriors were said to pack their wounds with it so they could continue fighting.

Popularity of the moss for use in battle boomed during the First World War, where it was considered the absolute best material to use in field dressings. And there was heavy demand for field dressings. Britain sent out a million bandages per month, and enlisted the public in gathering the moss from bogs.

The menstrual product ad trope of a jubilant woman going rock ...

2024-08-27T13:45:46Z

The menstrual product ad trope of a jubilant woman going rock climbing or bungee jumping or doing athletic feats is associated with the 1980s, but it's in fact way older than that. This menstrual product ad from the late 19th century shows a very jubilant woman going cycling.

It's the moment we've been waiting for: the grand final ...

2024-08-25T14:02:03Z

In reply to nevent1q…7sxv
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It's the moment we've been waiting for: the grand final vote on the slang to replace the now terribly-unfashionable Hairy Potter on our slang merch design. The winner will appear on postcards, cards, and maybe even some new products. Pick your winner!

Semi final time! The top two will enter tomorrow's grand ...

2024-08-24T12:34:59Z

In reply to nevent1q…h2y7
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Semi final time! The top two will enter tomorrow's grand final, pitted against our top two from Twitter's semi final...

Congratulations to Group D winners Georgia O'Queef and Le ...

2024-08-24T12:33:28Z

In reply to nevent1q…8wjp
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Congratulations to Group D winners Georgia O'Queef and Le Mons, who will join Group C's top two in a semi-final to be voted on by Twitter. Group B's top two were Treasure Box and Hairy Grotto, who will enter a semi final along with Group A's top two, to be voted on by the fediverse!

Group D vote - winner and runner up will enter a semi-final ...

2024-08-23T12:24:37Z

In reply to nevent1q…6nkq
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Group D vote - winner and runner up will enter a semi-final tomorrow, to be voted on by Twitter...

Thanks for voting! Here's the first results: Group A, voted ...

2024-08-23T12:23:09Z

In reply to nevent1q…c847
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Thanks for voting! Here's the first results:
Group A, voted for by Twitter, gave us Hairy Poppins as the winner, and Highway to Hell as runner-up
Group C, voted for by the fediverse, gave us Moist von Lipwig as winner, and The Ring of Power as tight runner up (by one vote!).

Next up, the fediverse votes on Group D, and Twitter votes on Group B...

So that's the format. Now let's get voting! Today, ...

2024-08-22T11:26:50Z

In reply to nevent1q…mgj6
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So that's the format. Now let's get voting! Today, you're voting on Group C, while Twitter is voting on Group A. Pick your winner: the poll is live for 24 hours!

After that, there'll be a semi-final. Twitter will vote on ...

2024-08-22T11:25:17Z

In reply to nevent1q…ns45
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After that, there'll be a semi-final. Twitter will vote on the winners and runners up of groups C and D; the fediverse will vote on the winners and runners up of groups A and B. Finally, we'll all come together to vote in our GRAND FINAL on Sunday (and hope you vote the same way)

Should the absolute winner differ on both polls in the grand final, we'll pick based on total number of votes.

So here's how it's going to work. We've compiled our ...

2024-08-22T11:22:23Z

In reply to nevent1q…t57s
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So here's how it's going to work. We've compiled our favourite slangs into four groups. In our group stage, the fediverse will vote on groups C and D; Twitter will vote on groups A and B.

The last time we polled across multiple social media formats, we ...

2024-08-22T11:18:09Z

In reply to nevent1q…nfy5
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The last time we polled across multiple social media formats, we ended up with a lavender T-shirt that was nobody's first choice (but nevertheless, they're flying off the shelves) https://masto.ai/@vagina_museum/112733291475990886

This time round, we're applying some balances as we're polling here and on Twitter.

We're redoing our slang design to take out a rather ...

2024-08-22T11:17:01Z

We're redoing our slang design to take out a rather unfashionable part of it. Loads of you have suggested alternatives, and in the spirit of democracy we will be giving you a vote on our favourite ones! In this thread you'll see polls and the tournament format! https://masto.ai/@vagina_museum/112993839874089324

And so we turn to you, our delightful cunny community, to choose ...

2024-08-20T10:21:31Z

In reply to nevent1q…u47k
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And so we turn to you, our delightful cunny community, to choose a replacement! We're looking for some slang, approximately 12 characters long. Make a suggestion, and we'll pick our favourites, and then you can vote on them! What should go in that spot instead?

We're redoing our iconic slang design because it's come ...

2024-08-20T10:19:28Z

We're redoing our iconic slang design because it's come to our attention that there's a slang on there which was pretty fine in 2018, when it was designed, but has pretty negative associations right now in 2024. Specifically, this one...