Melissa Sloan, a 47-year-old woman from Kidderminster, known for being the UK's most tattooed female, opted to forego a Mother's Day outing at a pub to avoid drawing unwanted attention from diners. Renowned for her collection of over 800 tattoos, which cover approximately 90% of her body, Sloan frequently experiences stares and reactions from onlookers whenever she leaves the house.
On this particular Mother's Day, a day when families typically gather for celebratory meals, Sloan commented on her decision not to venture out: "I wanted to go for a pub meal with my kids but I can't as I might scare the other customers away," she relayed in an interview with What's The Jam. She went on to describe the nature of the reactions she receives, explaining that people often part ways to create space as she walks down the street. "People stare at me whenever I leave the house, and they always move out of the way if they pass me in the streets. It's crazy," she added.
Although Sloan has grown accustomed to the attention that her tattoos attract, she shared that dining out significantly amplifies this issue, as her appearance can provoke discomfort among other patrons. "I'm worried that one day people will actually leave the restaurant because of the way I look," she expressed, highlighting the impact that her distinctive appearance has on her social interactions.
Sloan's children have also faced the implications of her tattoos. She recalled moments when they were younger and questioned the public's fixation on her appearance: "My children used to ask why people were always staring at me." While they have since become accustomed to their mother's looks, the issue of public scrutiny remains. "They aren't so bothered now, as we're all used to it, but it's not nice to be on the receiving end," she explained.
Despite her bold choices, Sloan remains sensitive to societal reactions, indicating that she often feels unwelcome. "Sadly, people just can't seem to accept me, so I'll be staying at home this Mother's Day. It's not worth all the attention," she stated. In public settings, she occasionally resorts to using heavy foundation to create a less conspicuous appearance.
In prior conversations, Sloan has articulated her frustrations with the ever-present public scrutiny, admitting that strangers "won't leave me alone." She conveyed a sense of longing for acceptance, saying, "My tattoos should be accepted and understood. It gets tiring having to avoid public places due to the way I look and people lacking understanding."
Despite the challenges posed by her tattoos, which she describes as both an inconvenience and a significant part of her identity, Sloan insists she does not regret her choices: "While it can be a major inconvenience, I don't regret my tattoos; I love the way I look. If other people can't handle it, that's their problem." She elaborated on her relationship with her children, expressing confidence that they embrace her unique appearance: "My kids love me for me."
Furthermore, Sloan has expressed apprehensions about international travel, citing a fear of judgement and the potential for uncomfortable encounters with other travellers. "I feel as though a holiday abroad is out of the question for me. I'll draw a lot of attention just walking through the airport and I'm worried about being flagged by staff," she stated. The prospect of being the subject of judgemental stares concerns her greatly, especially as she yearns to take her children on holiday this summer but feels uncomfortable travelling abroad.
In summary, Melissa Sloan's experience on Mother's Day illuminates the complexities of living with a heavily tattooed appearance in public life, reflecting broader societal attitudes towards body art and individual expression.
Source: Noah Wire Services