Captain Janeway

(This is the same description for all three submissions as they are all the same reason I got these tattoos)

I have always been a plus size woman. As a kid, I developed early and quickly became aware of the societal standards for beauty and what was and was not acceptable. As I grew up, I largely accepted that I was plus size and probably always would be. I embraced my body and have been proud of almost everything that I am in that respect. One of the few things I struggled with when it came to my body was my legs, specifically my thighs. Stretch marks, cellulite, Jiggle, such fair skin that shows the blue and purple of my veins, such a wide spread of flesh when I sit down. For years I didn't wear shorts, skirts, or dresses above the knee. In my 30s I decided I was tired of living in self loathing of this part of my body and fear of what others think about me. So I set out to recreate my thighs into something that gives me strength and would be beautiful, cool, and interesting - all descriptions I would say to describe myself outside of my thighs. So tattoos it was! I have three so far out of the four I would like. I am submitting all three.

Captain Katherine Janeway. Princess Leia Organa. And Medusa. All of these women are strong, interesting, beautiful, and cool. Janeway and Leia specifically capture what I see in myself as a strong leader who is also compassionate and kind and works for the greater good while still trying to protect everyone. Intelligent women with cutting wit and nerves of steel. Medusa - a misunderstood character of myth and legend, and a way I see myself - someone who will stop you in your tracks if you look at them too hard.

Getting these tattoos made me proud of my thighs. They make me want to wear the short sorts so I can see them and remember all of these things about myself. The art is also incredible and worthy of being shown to the world, who am I to now hide that?