A. is a totally complete incomplete paraplegic and thirty-something hanky-in-the-pocket cartoonist weirdo! They spent the majority of their young life sketching in hospitals, and experienced their first heartbreak at age 8 during game 6 of the ’96 NBA championships.
I’ve never really wanted a tattoo for myself. I think they look good on other people. Honestly, women with tattoos are sexy as fuck. But I’ve been thinking that I want to get some, lately. My body, and arms, in particular, are covered with self-harm scars. I’m really liking the idea of getting some on my arms. I don’t want to completely cover all of my scars because that’s just part of my life’s journey. But I would like some that symbolize that I’m moving forward. So I don’t just see scars when I look at my arms. Your honesty helps me and makes me feel validated. Thanks for that.
Ah this was great! I understand this so much. I got my first tattoo a little over a year ago and my second followed not even a year later. Besides looking great, they have become the absolute best pain management tool. The hour or so on the table getting lightly poked and stabbed, that tiny bit of sting and ouch and pain is nothing compared to the pain of my disease but it’s pain I control. It’s pain I choose. It’s pain I can start or stop whenever I want. And it’s pain with purpose. Pain from which comes beauty. It’s not pain that springs from no where (well I know where the pain from my disease springs but it still doesn’t explain why it first started). Pain that brings nothing but another day in bed. Pain that’s frustrating and lonely and hard. It’s different and lovely, in it’s own way. I’m already saving for the next one. I plan to slap it right on the shoulder that’s forever popping and cracking ;)
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For Them & Autostraddle exist to fill the gap in a world that overlooks queer and trans needs, offering products and media that honor expansive identities and celebrate authentic self-expression.
Comments
So great <3
I love this.
You for sure make me understand tatoos like no other. Plus your renderings of them are so cool. Fractalesque.
Best reasons for tattoos ever!!
I’ve never really wanted a tattoo for myself. I think they look good on other people. Honestly, women with tattoos are sexy as fuck. But I’ve been thinking that I want to get some, lately. My body, and arms, in particular, are covered with self-harm scars. I’m really liking the idea of getting some on my arms. I don’t want to completely cover all of my scars because that’s just part of my life’s journey. But I would like some that symbolize that I’m moving forward. So I don’t just see scars when I look at my arms. Your honesty helps me and makes me feel validated. Thanks for that.
Ah this was great! I understand this so much. I got my first tattoo a little over a year ago and my second followed not even a year later. Besides looking great, they have become the absolute best pain management tool. The hour or so on the table getting lightly poked and stabbed, that tiny bit of sting and ouch and pain is nothing compared to the pain of my disease but it’s pain I control. It’s pain I choose. It’s pain I can start or stop whenever I want. And it’s pain with purpose. Pain from which comes beauty. It’s not pain that springs from no where (well I know where the pain from my disease springs but it still doesn’t explain why it first started). Pain that brings nothing but another day in bed. Pain that’s frustrating and lonely and hard. It’s different and lovely, in it’s own way. I’m already saving for the next one. I plan to slap it right on the shoulder that’s forever popping and cracking ;)