“This work is dedicated to the inherently transfiguring experience of femininity.
To rites of passage missed,
to virgin ghosts,
to mothers torn between worlds,
and to the crones that steady us.
And finally, for the MRKH community.”

This is from the dedication page of my debut book, ‘Dream of the Lillitu’.

If you are familiar with Lilitus, the ancient Mesopotamian ‘virgin ghosts’ referenced above, you might notice added an additional ‘L’. That’s because the two letters together make up what looks like a roman numeral II, representing a second chance. The second chance I’ve had as a woman born with MRKH, after grieving the life I thought I would have. The life I still get to have. The sex I still get to have. The various things I can ‘birth’, that aren’t children.

I wish the same things for you, dear reader.

This is a wonderful community. I’m glad we’ve all landed here together. Even if you’re just passing through.

If you are curious about my narrative work, Dream of the Lillitu, it is available (for now) only on Patreon, while I am still researching publication options that feel ‘right’.

And the book has a twin — yes, a ten-song concept album, streaming everywhere for free. Search ‘Dream of the Lillitu by Mariah Van Kleef’ on bandcamp, Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, YouTube, you name it.

It’s dedicated to you, dear reader. To us.

All my love xx

-Mariah

You can also find out more on her website