Woman hits back at older people for judging tattooed body

A young British woman is responding to the “older generation” who claim she’ll regret covering her body with tattoos by the time she’s 60.

Though she acknowledges she’ll never be “the girl [men] take home to their parents,” Taylor Paige Courtenay says she loves her inked skin and tells others to keep their “opinions to themselves.”

Taylor Paige Courtenay, from South Devon, England, is defying societal beauty standards and speaking out about the judgment she faces, especially from the “older generation,” because of her extensive tattoos.

At 27 years old, Courtenay has tattoos covering her neck, arms, stomach, and legs. She often describes her skin as a canvas of memories and expressions, reflecting her belief in owning her story.

However, being visibly tattooed comes with its challenges. The woman, who frequently showcases her scantily clad body on social media, often addresses the negativity aimed at her inked identity.

In one of her TikTok clips, she shares that she has “come to terms” with never being “that girl.”

“I’ll never be the girl they take home to their parents; I’ll never be the girl they talk about with their friends; I’ll never be the girl invited round for dinner; I’ll never be the girl they show off,” she says.

Courtenay adds, “I’ll always be the temporary fix, the girl they use to pass the time, the girl that’s hidden.”

Yet, she insists she doesn’t “even care,” as her “skin makes [her] happy.”

Despite her bold declarations of satisfaction with her body art, she often becomes the target of the judgmental online community, many of whom suggest she’ll regret covering so much of her body.

In a clip addressing her critics, particularly those from the older generation, Courtenay captions, “Your tattoos are not going to look good when you hit 60.”

She adds, “Bold of you to assume you even look good at 60…I wish they’d keep their opinions to themselves.”

Despite her request for others to keep quiet, some online users continue to share their thoughts.

One user writes to the Daily Mail, “We will keep our opinions to ourselves if you keep your tattoos to yourself,” referencing her barely-there attire. Another user comments, “If you don’t want other people’s opinions, keep your clothes on.”

Another netizen on Courtenay’s social media asks, “Do you not worry at all about what they will look like when [you’re] 60?” while another writes, “Any tattoo takes from natural beauty. I cannot understand how someone with such a beautiful body will cover it with graffiti?”

However, some members of the online community applaud her storytelling canvas and confidence.

“Screw them. Got my first ink at 17 and now 15 years later have sleeves, chest, and back piece. Love them and no regrets. Will still think this at 60,” says one supporter.

Another remarks, “Exactly. Your body is yours to do with what you want. Not everyone will like it, but they don’t have to.”

While Courtenay seems to thrive in her individuality, she has disabled comments, preventing online users from sharing their thoughts on her social media.

According to a December 2024 post, Courtenay is now “that girl” to the father of her baby, born in the summer of 2023.

What are your thoughts on this mother’s extensive body art? Share this story with your friends so we can hear their opinions!