Tenacity

What inspired your most recent tattoo?

As a non-binary transfem, people frequently consider me a monster, a creature, less than human, and reject my agency and interiority. I also am a fan of horror. My most recent tattoo is a creature in a largely classic pinup pose, daisy dukes, etc. Much like me, most consider her at first glance an object, a thing. But looking closer, thr power is taken back. Lee in the tag becomes flee from an f in blood and uv reactive eyes look out over a sharklike grin.

If your ink could speak, what would it say?

It does speak. Tattoos mark my identity, my liberatory politics, my perseverance. It is written in symbolism rather than spoken word. My tattoos, like much symbolism within marginalized communities, don't speak to everyone, but those rather speak only to those who face the same troubles, share the same hopes.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I had to reshape my body and leave the country of my birth, maybe never to return. Both were expensive processes, so I'd use the money to pay off debts I accrued just trying to live. Then I'll be able to afford to help others again within my community in the ways I used to.