Heaven Is Inside You
Location
Ponderosa Room D
Presentation Type
Presentation
Presentation Topic
polycystic ovarian syndrome, lipedema, hormone imbalance, pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder, body dysmorphia, death.
Start Date
6-3-2026 10:10 AM
Event Sort Order
16
Abstract
In a society that does not prioritize the research or public understanding of many female reproductive and endocrine disorders, and the consequences on those affected are often all-consuming. The damage bleeds into many aspects of everyday life, such as self-confidence, romantic encounters, stress tolerance, and physical comfort. It can be nearly impossible to realize until it’s over that your hormone imbalance is the cause of so much emotional and physical pain, and leaves those affected feeling hopeless, alone, and even scared.
In this performance, I will read aloud five poems and display five corresponding photographs depicting my experience with these concerns; specifically, my experience with lipedema, male pattern facial hair growth, suicidality caused by premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and internalized fatphobia. Through fearless, vivid descriptions of vulnerable moments and photographs of my own insecurities, I aim to unveil the parts of me that society says are unsightly, vulgar, and meant to be kept hidden - and invite viewers to do the same.
Heaven Is Inside You
Ponderosa Room D
In a society that does not prioritize the research or public understanding of many female reproductive and endocrine disorders, and the consequences on those affected are often all-consuming. The damage bleeds into many aspects of everyday life, such as self-confidence, romantic encounters, stress tolerance, and physical comfort. It can be nearly impossible to realize until it’s over that your hormone imbalance is the cause of so much emotional and physical pain, and leaves those affected feeling hopeless, alone, and even scared.
In this performance, I will read aloud five poems and display five corresponding photographs depicting my experience with these concerns; specifically, my experience with lipedema, male pattern facial hair growth, suicidality caused by premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and internalized fatphobia. Through fearless, vivid descriptions of vulnerable moments and photographs of my own insecurities, I aim to unveil the parts of me that society says are unsightly, vulgar, and meant to be kept hidden - and invite viewers to do the same.
Presenter Bio
Kate Glass is a visual artist and writer from Omaha, Nebraska, USA. In 2023, she received her Associate of Applied Science in Photography from Metropolitan Community College. She is currently a senior majoring in Fine Arts with emphasis in photography and minoring in Women’s & Gender Studies and LGBTQ Studies at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. Kate’s work centers on taboo corporeal experiences, including chronic medical conditions, suicidality, internalized fatphobia, and erotic self-exploration complicated by religion. She finds comfort in meshing malaise with sensual femininity and in pushing the boundaries of what is socially acceptable through her ongoing experimentation with menstrual blood gum bichromate printing.