After a bit of controversy in my local area over me getting play pierced I decided to write something that would make people see things from my, 16 years old, point of view. Note: this is nothing to do with my wonderful piercer or her studio. These are my own views and opinions.
At A Glance Author Millie Contact [email protected] IAM MilllieB When N/A As far as I know I'm the only under 18 in my area to be play pierced professionally, I understand that it is not a common service and it is a rather taboo one. Whilst I most certainly endeavour to stay on the right side of the law but I also understand that there are circumstances where things can be bent.
Play piercing or Ritual piercing as some people call it is done for sensation and for the sheer look of needles in human flesh, it is after all a pretty spectacular sight. Not many people understand the fascination I have for being pierced and for piercing in general. I'll be the first to admit before I first got play pierced I had no idea what I was getting myself in to, all I knew is I trust my piercer, I wanted to try it and I thought it would look pretty and possibly feel nice. Note: I never get play pierced when I'm stressed as this would actively involve my piercer in my old ways of self-harm and that wouldn't be right. One thing I've always liked about the idea of play piercing is you're only left with little pretty scars, if anything at all. This means you can enjoy it but you are not automatically slammed with the label of "freak", "psychopath" or "mentally unstable". For example when I first got play pierced I was probably at the most mentally stable point in my life.
Just because there is a lot of stigma around the idea of "piercing for sensation" doesn't make it wrong, immoral or unethical. What makes it wrong, immoral or unethical for a professional piercer to play pierce somebody under 18 is the individuals reasons behind it.
After being play pierced by my normal trusty piercer a few times I decided to venture into the world of the unknown, I decided that I was at a time in my life where I needed to get over some of my issues with men and that's where the male piercer at my local trustworthy studio came in, I asked him to play pierce my stomach because I don't trust men, I don't like my stomach being touched amongst other things. I hadn't known him very long at all but I know I am always safe in that studio. Maybe it was a bad option in regards to morals and ethics but I can honestly say it was one of the best things I've ever done in my life. Play piercing isn't for everybody, many pass out at the idea let alone the procedure, but it is an amazing experience.
I know that I've had nothing but excellent experiences when I've been play pierced but I understand that a lot of under 18s are not ready for something of this nature. I, honestly, truthfully believe that it is down to the individual's mentality.
Many people are not as fortunate as I am and don't have a good professional piercer to guide them on a journey that can shape them for the rest of their lives. Piercing morals, laws and ethics are often hard to understand and even harder to explain but if it's something an individual is passionate about that passion will shine through and somebody will notice that it is true passion and not some "cool" kid who wants to act tough infront of their mates.
I know that without play piercing I wouldn't be anywhere near as confident within myself as I am now. Therefore although many people may disagree I believe that play piercing of under 18s is acceptable in some, specific circumstances but guidelines must be set and followed by all parties.
You are always going to get people who will put you down for doing something a little bit out of the "box" of society but do what you enjoy and don't let the narrow mindedness stand in your way. You only have one life live it to the full. Play piercing is a beautiful thing if it's done in the right setting.
I know of a few people who would like to tell me off for that but to be honest everybody has the right to try things.
Note: This has no connection with ANY piercing studio, Nobody is at fault, I understood all the implications of getting play pierced and I gave my full, sober consent to every session. Although I would love to name my piercer and her partner as they are wonderful people I understand that it is best not too.