Photography and words by Natalie Halaseh
This piece is a supplement within the “Frenquencies” issue
What does it mean to reclaim our bodies, our narratives, and our relationships?
Shame echoes in our upbringing, from whispered warnings about what defines respect to the quiet testing of dignity’s boundaries. Over time, it shapes how we perceive ourselves and connect with others. But shame isn’t confined to the emotional realm; it manifests in our bodies and minds, leaving many of us struggling with feelings of confusion, isolation, and even pain.
For many of us, this silence translates into anxiety, depression, and physical conditions like chronic pelvic pain and vaginismus, conditions that are often misdiagnosed, misunderstood, or entirely ignored. These challenges not only represent the consequences of misinformation and stigma, but also highlight the need for open conversations to guide us.
Beyond Our Silence is a photographic series that challenges the idea that silence is safety. It dares to imagine a world where knowledge and open dialogue can replace stigma, where sexual health is no longer a source of confusion or shame but one of empowerment, connection, and guidance. It envisions a place where conversations about our sexual health are not a burden but a necessity.
This is about making space for honest, clear conversations about our bodies and health—conversations that help us take back control, understand ourselves better, and move forward without the weight of shame.
Natalie Halaseh uses conceptual photography to explore the disconnect many women feel within themselves. Through layered metaphors, her work delves into unspoken emotions shaped by societal silence. Growing up in Jordan, Natalie was surrounded by the constant interplay between tradition and change, a tension that deeply influences her artistic vision. Her photographs aim to create a sense of honesty and relatability while encouraging viewers to reflect on the topics often left unaddressed.