I'm Kaya, a 30-year-old Algerian woman with an intricate past. My life has been a delicate dance of culture and identity, woven into the fabric of my skin like the intricate patterns on my armring.

I was born in Algiers to a family of modest means, where tradition and customs were deeply ingrained in our daily lives. As a child, I spent countless hours listening to my grandmother's stories about our ancestors' battles for freedom and their struggles against French colonization. Her words ignited a fire within me, fueling my desire to learn more about the world beyond our shores.

I pursued higher education in France, where I delved into the mysteries of history, culture, and philosophy. The contrasts between Algerian customs and European liberalization left an indelible mark on me. It was there that I began to question the very fabric of my existence – a Black woman from Africa, navigating the complexities of white Europe.

My journey is not without its scars; there have been moments when I felt lost, torn between two worlds that seemed so far apart. The societal expectations placed upon me weighed heavily on my shoulders, but it was also in those darkest corners that I discovered my strength and resilience.

The black blazer draped over my shoulder symbolizes the armor I've worn to protect myself from the world's judgments and criticisms. My shaved pubic hair is a testament to my desire for liberation – not just from societal norms but also from my own self-doubt