BARE & BOLD: EMBRACING MY OSTOMY
After years of working in and out of the adult entertainment industry, I had finally decided that it was where I belonged. Working as an adult entertainer gave me time and money to pursue my dreams of being a published author and spreading my vision of unity to others. I surrendered to my love of entertaining and the flexibility that the industry gave me, not to mention the kickass community it provided.
However, destiny had other plans. No sooner had I embraced my fate to be an adult entertainer when suddenly my health turned very bleak. In September 2023, I underwent a surgery that removed my large intestine altogether and left me with a permanent ileostomy (ostomy of the small intestine).
I was devastated. I had no idea what to believe about my future. I thought no one would find me beautiful anymore. I cried whenever no one was looking. I felt heartbroken about my future. Then, I pulled myself together. I was determined to overcome this challenge with grace. I shared some of the journey in my article, “The New Me,” about how I used visualization to accept my ostomy.
Who loves garters??!!
I also began to look for others who had ostomies, people who accomplished amazing things despite and because of their ostomies (for truly, none of us would be healthy and some of us wouldn’t be alive without them).
I was blown away by how many incredible people are living their dreams after this body-altering surgery. It inspired me and gave me hope for the future. It made me know that this surgery, no matter how much it changed my body, didn’t have to stop me from reaching my dreams. I learned that I’m still sexy with my ostomy, and I don’t have to hide my body or be ashamed.
I’m not underweight anymore and I don’t dread long drives or events anymore.
Today, I am shamelessly sharing with you sexy photos of me and also a list of sexy ostomates who gave me hope when I really needed it. I cried my entire way through writing this article because I could identify deeply with each of their stories and struggles, as well as their victories. I’ve also included links so that you can learn more about these incredible humans.
Before I share these five ostomates who inspire me, did you know that Napoleon had an ostomy? I was absolutely shocked when I learned that Napoleon Bonaparte, the military general who became the first emperor of France, used a goat bladder as an ostomy bag. He lived between 1769 and 1821. This surgery has been happening for much longer than I imagined!
And now, allow me to introduce FIVE OSTOMATES WHO TRULY INSPIRE ME!
Rolf Benirschke
He proves you can do anything with an ostomy.
Rolf is a former American football player in the National Football League (NFL). At the age of 24, during his second season playing in the NFL, Rolf collapsed on the team plane after a game. He quickly underwent life-saving surgeries that left him with an ostomy. He didn’t think he’d ever play football again. However, with the help of his team’s strength coach, he returned to playing football for seven more seasons! Here is a link to Rolf’s story in his own words and also a website with tons of amazing information for ostomates.
2. Jearlean Taylor
She’s a remarkable trailblazer.
I found Jearlean in an ostomy support group on Facebook and immediately felt inspired by her confidence and bold, badass, beauty. She is a model, author, and motivational speaker. Jearlean survived cancer as a toddler, leaving her with two ostomies for life. Although she admits to struggling with confidence for a long time, she eventually overcame it and she is now an International Fashion model! You can learn more about her at her website and order her books. I love her energy and drive!
3. Blake Beckford
This man has overcome so much!
I found Blake through a Google search and was astonished to see such a gorgeous, courageous man who would not let his ostomy or multiple brain surgeries stop him from pursuing his passion for body building. As far as I know, he is the first male model with an ostomy to achieve centerfold status. He has proven that having an ostomy is not a life sentence. It is a gift to keep on living. And for people like Blake, it is a chance to continue living our dreams.
4. Sara Levitt
So inspiring!
I came across Sara Levitt by searching #ostomy on Instagram. She is a stunning, young model who was featured in MAXIM Australia. Sara is most definitely the first ostomate to become a world-renowned bikini model. Her boldness, beauty, and bravery have inspired me immensely as I’ve learned to embrace my sexy OSTOMILF self. Check out the MAXIM article and be inspired yourself!
5. GoAskAlex
I love the colour of her bra and panty set!
GoAskAlex is an adult entertainer who did not allow ostomy surgery to stop her from living her dreams. She is a top earner on Only Fans. Countless fans pay to see her beauty and get to know her.
I first heard of GoAskAlice when I shared in a sex worker support group on Facebook that I was to have this body-altering surgery. After following her on her platforms for a few months, I got up the nerve to reach out to her. GoAskAlex not only answered my messages with kindness and love, but she also showed me how she does her work. Essentially, she showed me that not only could I be sexy with an ostomy, but that I could continue to work as an adult entertainer if I so choose. I’m super grateful for her support during this extremely difficult time in my life.
Read her story in her own words: Creating content on OnlyFans helped me embrace my disability | CBC Radio
These five people are just a few of the many incredible ostomates I have found online and in person, since I had my surgery. Ostomy surgery, or any other major life change, does not have to be a devastating blow. It can be something beautiful, if we allow it to be.
Me being silly during the photo shoot! LOL
I thought my ostomy was going to stop me from living an amazing life. But it gave me my life back. My ostomy has taught me an important lesson, that I am beautiful for who I am. The bag is a small part of me that takes nothing away from the whole. I am beautiful, and so are you!
Love Annie
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