‘World’s most tattooed doctor’ reveals the awful judgement she has had to face
Regardless of whether you love 'em or hate 'em, tattoos are a good conversation starter. Whether it's a small sentimental accoutrement or a full sleeve, every day we see people adorned with beautiful and meaningful images and words. But despite being around for thousands of years, they still attract criticism in certain social circles, where they are considered unprofessional or unattractive.
Dr. Sarah Gray, however, hasn't been put off by the negative reputation tattoos sometimes attract. The medical professional, who hails from Adelaide, Australia, has dozens of tattoos covering her collarbones down to her toes, and they ensure that she stands out in her field... but not necessarily in a good way.
In an interview with The Daily Mail, Dr. Gray revealed that she's received plenty of criticism over the years, both in her workplace and beyond.
She's allegedly faced the most judgement inside shops and restaurants. Most recently, she was ignored by several shop assistants while attempting to purchase a pair of designer heels on her birthday.
"They all served other customers first and wouldn't even make eye contact with me," the 30-year-old asserted. "I waited politely for ages and eventually gave up and left. They did themselves out of a sale and I saved myself $1,000, so I guess that's one bonus!"
On another occasion, she was actually asked to leave a restaurant because of her appearance.
"I was out for lunch in a restaurant with my partner on the Gold Coast when we were seated at a table," she explained. "After being seated for lunch, management then came up to us and asked us to leave as they had a 'no visible tattoo policy' for diners. That was a little disappointing to say the least."
Dr. Gray has also reportedly been denied entrance to a casino, had people grab her without asking, and endured a number of disparaging looks and comments from passersby.
Despite these negative interactions, the doctor is perfectly content with her appearance, and is committed to the belief that her inked skin shouldn't influencer her career, or how she is perceived.
"We should all be able to love the skin we're in, regardless of how we choose to decorate it," she told the publication.
Luckily, anti-discrimination laws in Australia have prevented Dr. Gray from facing any professional setbacks on account of her tattoos.
"Having colourful skin in no way affects your skill level and with all the anti-discrimination laws now it wouldn't be appropriate to compartmentalise or treat me differently based on my appearance," she continued. "I've worked really hard to develop good professional relationships as I'm fairly memorable, so I've made sure I'm memorable for the right reasons through hard work, determination and an always positive attitude."
For those, however, who choose to be judgemental of body art, the doctor has some words of wisdom;
"For those that don't like tattoos, that's entirely their prerogative, I just urge them to at least consider the artistic skill that goes into creating body art, before they judge someone harshly at face value for choosing to wear them."
Amen to that.