Eri Vlc

Story Time

Added 2024-04-23 12:57:34 +0000 UTC

Hey loves ❤️

I have mentioned in previous posts that I experienced some difficulties during my last trip in NYC and I wanted to open up more about what happened.

I booked an AirBnb to stay and I had a female roommate who had very good reviews. I thought it was a safer choice as I would have a local in case I needed something and as a solo woman traveler I appreciate that.

Things were okay until I showed her my ig profile and my photography. At first she feigned to be okay with it but little did I know what was actually going on through her mind.

A few days later, she initiated what I can only describe as a big verbal hate attack towards my identity and my work. To name a few things she said that my photography isn't art, she insinuated I'm a prostitute, that I shouldn't be wearing lingerie, that I should change my style of photography, that such photos are taken by p0rnstars etc.

This discourse went on for about 15 minutes and even though I tried to explain my point of view it was like talking to a wall. Starting to fear even for my safety around her, I left the apartment that same day.

I was completely shattered emotionally because apart from having to deal with an in real life hater for the first time, I was also facing one of my greatest fears when traveling which is to not have where to stay.
I am grateful that I was able to react however and luckily I found a hotel for the remainder days of my trip.

The story doesn't end there however. After asking her for a refund for the rest of the days that I wouldn't be staying at her apartment she refused saying "I chose to leave". I contacted Airbnb support only to be interrogated like a criminal and they were asking me about public nudity and other things that didn't even make any sense. Since I didn't have any proof of the verbal harassment I don't think they believed me.
My account is now locked which is another loss as I would frequently find places to shoot but that option is now gone.

I am back home now but I am still trying to recover mentally and emotionally from all these incidents. I am not exaggerating when I tell you this was one of the hardest periods of my life. Coming face to face with such absolute hate took a part of my soul.

I know who I am though and I believe in my work. I understand that not everyone will get or appreciate it but I have chosen to show up with courage to the world. I create compelling work that not many can digest because it awakens parts of themselves they don't want to see. But that's the beauty of it and that's what Art is for me. It stirs up emotions, conversations and makes you question all those notions you have gathered in life.

These images were taken in Brooklyn by a photographer the day after the incident I described. My immense gratitude goes to this photographer who helped me overcome the numbness I still felt that morning and helped me feel comfortable to pose again.

Sending love ❤️
Eri