The tattoo I eventually chose – which I dub “Escape to the Night” – was symbolic of me taking control of my life in a very physical way.
While it’s far more commonplace than it used to be, getting tattooed can still feel like an act of rebellion, much like owning your sexuality, gender, and self-worth. I’ve always admired others who adorn their bodies with art, but I was too nervous about permanence to ever get inked until a recent life change removed my doubt. On a warm afternoon this past fall, I finally did something that I have wanted to do ever since I was an angst riddled 16-year-old with a love of side bangs and Paramore: I got my first tattoo.
