Kay Maskiw-Connelly

My most recent tattoo is the wolf with a woman in the sky above it with a moon behind her. I was taught a teaching of the wolf,representing humility, and this teaching has been integral to my life. We are prone to pride as human beings, and the way to living a good life is by letting go of our pride, renouncing our selfishness, thinking about community first, and approaching others with humility, kindness and love. The eyes of the wolf and the crying woman are the same UV yellow and orange ink.

My ink would tell my story of overcoming trauma and gender-based violence, finding my spirituality, which helped me heal, embracing my identity and finding my chosen family. Being part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and having an alternative faith at this time can be dangerous. I waited 35 years to get my first tattoo, and the same to be my authentic self, and they show I will not live in fear and silence any longer.My tattoos represent being my authentic self, and showing up for myself and others.

I have an 8 yo child and I’ve been putting myself through a Master of Business Administration program since 2022, back when I was solo parenting. I’ve accumulated some debt and I’ve been promising my 8 yo that I would take them to Legoland when I graduate this October. I would take both my kiddo and partner to Legoland UK to meet up with my sister, her husband and their two little girls, one of whom was recently diagnosed with having complex needs, near their home in Scotland.