Tight Lipped launched in May 2019 as a curated storytelling podcast providing a platform for public conversation about chronic vulvovaginal and pelvic pain conditions. Within weeks of releasing the pilot episode, it became clear that Tight Lipped was more than an audio project. Messages from listeners poured in, sharing that for the first time they felt empowered to speak openly about their symptoms and seek care for their conditions.

We began facilitating community workshops and programs for people with vulvovaginal and pelvic pain. Tight Lipped launched and distributed Opening Up, an 80-page printed zine that includes art, poetry, and prose compiled from more than 50 contributors. Our community members created, wrote, designed, and edited Opening Up. Together, we distributed over 700 copies to doctors’ offices, college campuses, and individuals with these conditions, and you can check out the free digital version here. We hosted educational workshops for college students, presentations on the patient experience for medical students, and community-building programs.

Now we’re bringing patients together to fight for change. We’ve expanded to become the first and only grassroots movement working to change how healthcare systems treat people with vulvovaginal and pelvic pain. Our first campaign advocates for OB/GYN residency programs to make diagnosis and management of common vulvovaginal and pelvic pain conditions a standard part of OB/GYN training.

Tight Lipped DMV Book Club

Vagina Obscura by Rachel E. Gross