Maartje Hensen: Exploring Polyamory, Kink Culture, and Radical Self-Love

Kirstie Pike
1 day ago
3 min read

In a world where relationships, identity, and self-expression are constantly evolving, Maartje Hensen has embarked on a journey of discovery, challenging societal norms and embracing the fullness of her own humanity. From exploring polyamory to diving into kink culture, Maartje’s story is one of curiosity, courage, and radical self-love.

Maartje Hensen’s journey through love, identity, and self-discovery is one of courage, curiosity, and conscious growth. She describes a period in her life where she took time for herself, diving deep into her emotions and confronting patterns of codependency in relationships. “I realized that I’m a whole person, and I want to be my own primary partner,” she explains. This realization became a guiding principle as she explored polyamory—not as a rejection of monogamy, but as a conscious experiment in self-reliance, trust, and communication.

“Jealousy can be such a great teacher. Where does this jealousy come from? Is it a need of mine unmet? How can I then meet that myself?”

For Maartje, relationships are as much about self-understanding as they are about connection with others. She reflects on the power of curiosity in navigating complex emotions like jealousy, explaining, “Jealousy can be such a great teacher. Where does this jealousy come from? Is it a need of mine unmet? How can I then meet that myself?” By approaching emotions without shame, she emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and self-love as tools for personal growth and healthier partnerships.

Her exploration of intimacy also extends to the world of kink, where she discovered new ways to express sensuality and trust. Attending queer-focused spaces, like Berlin’s KitKat Club, gave her the freedom to explore her sexuality safely and authentically. “Being tied with rope… I felt so held and loved. I could surrender, I could trust, and I could explore my own sensuality safely,” Maartje recalls. For her, kink is not just erotic—it’s a space for healing, empowerment, and self-expression, highlighting the profound importance of consent, communication, and mutual respect.

“Get a good support network because nothing ever good happens in isolation… slowing down, checking in with myself, finding environments that feel really good—that’s what helped me,”

Marthje’s journey also grapples with loneliness and fear of abandonment, feelings rooted in her childhood and amplified by ADHD. She has learned to confront discomfort rather than run from it, embracing practices that nurture mental health and emotional resilience. “Get a good support network because nothing ever good happens in isolation… slowing down, checking in with myself, finding environments that feel really good—that’s what helped me,” she says. Through therapy, meditation, and somatic practices like yoga, Maartje reconnects with her body, her emotions, and ultimately, herself.

Creativity has long been a cornerstone of Maartje’s self-expression. From capturing intimate moments in travel photography to documenting queer-owned spaces around the world, she uses her camera to illuminate the beauty and abundance of life. “I love capturing what is… seeing what is and being there,” she explains. Her work, including contributions to The Pride Atlas, showcases the importance of visibility and community for LGBTQ+ travelers while celebrating authentic experiences and connection.

Now, Maartje is translating her lived experiences into coaching, supporting others in embracing queer identity, intimacy, and self-expression. She describes coaching as an extension of her work in photography: creating safe spaces where people can feel empowered, seen, and fully themselves. “I love to empower people, especially queer people… to create a safe space where they can fully be authentically themselves,” she says.

Through every phase of her journey, Maartje Hensen embodies a commitment to self-love, curiosity, and authenticity. She shows that true empowerment comes not from fitting into societal expectations but from exploring, embracing, and celebrating every part of oneself.

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