FORESKIN STORIES
Help Us Start a National Conversation
America is one of the few countries in which circumcision is commonly performed for a wide variety of reasons. These include family tradition, religious ritual, aesthetic preference, medical advice, and concerns about cleanliness or masturbation.
Because our mainstream culture does not present a strong message on whether to circumcise boys, we hope to raise awareness of the potential social, emotional, and physical outcomes by collecting and sharing personal stories.
Whether you have your foreskin or it was removed, we want to hear how you feel about it. We also welcome stories (positive or negative, long or short) from sexual partners, family members, medical professionals, and anyone else with something to say. Honesty is the only requirement.
Whatever your tale, please write to us in the form below or send email to:
Your submission can be anonymous and your privacy will be protected. This website does not collect identifying information beyond what you voluntarily contribute. Even providing your email address is optional.
Scroll down to learn more about this project.
TELL YOUR STORY
Unless you give us permission, we will change names and generalize places you mention. If it's okay for us to publish details that might identify you, please let us know. We welcome more detail, as it tends to create a richer, more engaging story, but the inclusion of information that might identify you is entirely your choice.
BY PARTICIPATING, YOU GIVE US PERMISSION TO PUBLISH YOUR STORY IN ANY FORMAT FOR THE PURPOSE OF RAISING AWARENESS ABOUT THE OUTCOMES OF CIRCUMCISION. YOUR CONTRIBUTION MAY BE EDITED FOR LENGTH AND/OR CLARITY. IT MAY APPEAR AS PART OF A COLLECTION ALONG WITH OTHER NARRATIVES THAT REPRESENT DIFFERENT EXPERIENCES AND PERSPECTIVES.
Example stories can be found by clicking here. Thank you for participating!
Stories are one of the most powerful elements of human culture. People argue about lots of things but no one can dispute a genuine account of someone's personal experience.
We are a group of community service leaders who see stories as a tool for building empathy between people. Our projects include promotion of literacy, breaking the inter-generational cycle of toxic stress and poverty, and helping teens stay safe as they become more independent.
Frank conversations about genitals and sexuality are hard to come by in America. This limits the sources of quality information, inhibits good decision-making and obstructs healthy expression. We are working to bring this subject into the open, to help prospective parents considering circumcision understand the full range of potential outcomes.
By sharing your story, you will help us raise awareness around this momentous choice. We hope to partner with a publisher to get a book of collected stories into the mainstream market. We have professional writing and editing experience but anticipate these narratives will ultimately stand by themselves, representing each individual's own voice.