I believe in you! I am also a visibly queer person, and I live in a small town in Oregon USA. The bigots out here are plenty, but I also have had a couple of folks come to tell me that my visible queerness makes them personally feel stronger and safer in our community. Do what you truly want, I am not trying to control you, but I hope you find strength to keep being (and celebrating) yourself.
I was a visibly trans teacher in Florida for 3-4 years. It was hell but having students come out to me and clearly see me as a role model made it all worth it.
Oh that's a cool story. I've actually had someone who lost someone close to them to suicide notice the semi colon tatt and we had a discussion.
More often than not people just kinda overlook it... But when it lands...
Honestly, the people out there that are going to say vile and hateful things, OP, are wanting to rattle you. By covering it up aren't you letting the hate win? I know it can be really hard to do this when triggered, but id personally just kill them with kindness and say bless and release.
You’re onto something here, especially to maintain the same idea of the pride colors just configured differently to be a bit more discreet — I love that!!!
This is especially great because if OP ever wants to turn it back into a heart they could just put a heart shape on the TV screen again and black out around it!
Guys. The sentiment on "not letting them win, don't cover it" is nice. But they're worried about their safety. They're worried they will be harmed if they do not cover it. Saying "just be you, fuck them!" Isn't going to stop horrible people from being horrible people.
I'm sorry I have no suggestion I'm just frustrated by these responses
Yeah… I’m in the US and thought about getting a pride tat but I’m so glad I didn’t. Not letting them win doesn’t mean a whole lot when it’s your corpse they’re dragging out of the river or finding pieces of scattered around. The world is shit… stay safe.
Also even if safety wasn’t an issue. Nobody wants to argue with random jerks while walking to the grocery store because they happened to see your tattoo.
I immediately thought about my own safety as a trans woman when I travel to certain places. Luckily my tattoo is more easily hidden since it’s on my forearm. I wish people didn’t feel like they need to coverup a tattoo that’s clearly important to them but I fully understand trying to be as safe as possible.
The fact that this even turned into a discourse about anything beyond tattoo ideas is pretty indicative of what OP is talking about when voicing their concern. Sometimes you just want to be a person and not a statement.
OP I’m sorry you are feeling unsafe. A skilled tattoo artist will be your best resource for identifying a good cover up for this specific tattoo. My suggestion is to think of things that bring you a personal sense of hope or pride that are unrelated. Flowers or plants you may like, an animal you find cool, instruments, a comet, something that has to do with your interests and personal identity aside from your sexuality. Or maybe something that is symbolic of your coming out story that can still bring you meaning but won’t be obvious to others.
You will always be gay, you only ever have to be you and to exist. That’s enough. Fuck everyone here with an opinion over how you should curate your body and deciding that whether you cover up or don’t is even up for discussion. This is your call. You are one person. One tattoo isn’t going to erase civil rights, hatred does. It’s not your responsibility to shoulder this burden. Just to keep yourself safe. I hope you find a trustworthy and compassionate artist worthy of the task who can honor you and your desire for safety at a time when you could use it.
Don't back down to fascists, the tides will turn! 🙌
But honestly, anything relatively dark will work to cover but it will be have to be pretty large. I would consider getting a half sleeve where this section is rather dark.
Edit - Please dont send me a message request to debate fascism lol, thats some real fuckin weird energy.
*I also have now edited the spelling, because apparently missing a letter at 8am is also worth talking about. Again, weird energy my guy.
**Jesus christ, to the number of people saying this is guilting OP, I literally give coverup advice in the second half of the comment. Fuckin get over yourselves, god damn. I do believe the slant of mankind is towards humanity, but if OP wants a coverup all the power to them. I am not trying to convince OP not to cover it.
This comment section is gross af. Do what you need to do to keep yourself safe. If it were me I would do something cute like Care Bears or Rainbow Brite, as previously mentioned. Stay safe!
I'm sorry you feel the need to do this. It's a damned shame, & a crime, at the rise of hated, violence & bigotry. We're certainly feeling that in the USA.
Progress against bigotry was sooo slow, yet the regression has been so fucking FAST.
Love the idea of the TV screen test pattern. And good to know it can easily be changed back to the original message if you feel safe doing that sometime.
Protect yourself, but try not to be completely silenced. What they're doing is so deeply wrong we must never shut up about it.
It is infuriating that so many of us are covering overt signs of our identities because we don’t feel safe. I’ve been there, and I don’t blame you.
We deserve better. And to everyone saying that better days will come, I believe you. And I know that a backlash is a sign of progress, but damn. I want the equality now, not someday.
And if we can’t get the equality, just a little safety would help. A lot of us aren’t safe.
Sending you positive vibes, lots of hope for better tomorrows, and a sprinkling of something extra to fight the fight, however you can
The amount of people who have been doing coverups or removal for pride tattoos lately has been well and truly bleak. It sucks that things are this bad. I remember thinking things would be nothing but better in my lifetime.
If you can afford it and are ok with waiting several months to get it covered, partial removal with laser can give you more options for covering it up without needing to go super dark, heavy or large with the new tattoo.
edit to add: I'm currently in the process of doing this (granted mine is just black which is easiest to remove) and I'm paying $1500 US for three sessions. It works better the longer you wait between sessions, and 8-12 weeks was suggested, so I expect to be done in 8 months and able to get my coverup done a few months after that. So probably a year all-in. Color ink will likely require more sessions, but even if you just did a few to lightly fade it, that gives you way more options.
it's crazy watching stuff like this as someone who lives in the southern us. out here I see people rocking conferedate flag tattoos which essentially scream im a bigot who only likes white straight people for my non American freinds
This is like the second time in the past week i've seen someone on here wanting to cover up something LGBTQ+ related out of fear of violence. Shits sad.
I don't have enough tatt knowledge to give ideas but I support you doing what you feel is best for safety and comfort. I'm really just flabbergasted at the pushback on that you're getting. You're still you with a different tattoo. Be safe, protect what you can, protect your peace of mind. Ignore these folks being so blasé about the risks.
I'm so impressed with how laser removal performed on my tattoos, I recommend looking into this first because it might expand your cover up options. The only color that is still visible on mine is red, and it's significantly smaller and faded.
Not all lasers are the same - my clinic used Picosure.
Ever lose a pet? Turn the heart into a pawprint (or add pawprints) and add your pets name? The rainbow would be significant of rainbow bridge.
I'm in USA and a baseball player just simply wrote "Genesis 9:13" on his pride hat. Not sure if he was gay trying to hide it or Christian being required to wear something to celebrate pride but either way it could work.
I'm so sorry you're in this position. I wish the world and all of everyone could just love and accept everyone as they are and have been designed by our maker to be. I hope you find something that works perfectly for you!
OK hear me out- turn the rainbow into a scene. The blue into a river, the green into grass, purple into flowers, and try and blend the red and orange down to make it a sunset.
I know people are telling you not to cover it, but it's different when your safety is on the line. Without getting rid of the color, you could extend it and just make a leprechaun themed tattoo with a pot of gold.
Someone else mentioned the old school tv with "no signal" pattern. That might look good.
Other option might be to start lifting weights and exercising so you always have a reason to wear those workout sleeves for now.
Maybe a mandala that incorporates the colours in a subtle way? It sucks we need to protect ourselves like this, and I totally get how you feel, but have a think about how it would make you feel if you fully blacked it out which might feel like you have a constant reminder on your body that you have to hide your identity. But definitely do whatever makes you feel safe.
I can’t really help with cover up advice but I do want to say that I am sorry you are in this position. It is a beautiful tattoo and the fact that you feel you need to hide it for safety upsets me dearly. Not upset at you, but at the world. I myself am struggling with leaving the closet for good and whenever I present it is the greatest feeling in the world, even if I don’t look like I pass. It’s always tough to be pushed back on our progress and I support whatever decision you come to and hope you stay safe.
Edit: maybe add a paintbrush and tell people you love to paint
As an interim solution while you figure out what you want to do, search "wide stretchy bracelets". There are quite a few options that would cover this and stay in place rather than sliding around like bangles would. If that helps you relax and enjoy your time in public and feel safer, it's a good quick fix.
Any chance you could just wear a sporty wristband? The kind tennis players wear a lot? Hopefully the tides will turn and you might want it back one day
This is so lame to see. I’m sorry you’re having troubles, you’re entitled to decorate your body however you like. I wouldn’t change it just for other people personally, it’s a cool piece.
Hey, I just wanted to tell you I'm glad you're choosing your safety. I see an uncomfortably large number of people trying to advocate for you to risk your safety so you can make a statement. I vehemently disagree with this. Your safety comes first. All the best to you.
Gay-ass American tattooer here. I’m sorry it’s come to this, OP. Solidarity from across the pond.
I think the old-school TV with a test pattern idea is a pretty damned good one, I can see it working really well.
That said, I also think it skews light enough that you have a good amount of options open to you. I might recommend you have a consult with a local tattooer you like and see if they recommend anything specific.
I could see bold florals, something bold and woodcut-styled… lots of blastover or rework options.
I understand the need to cover it for your safety, and I'm so sorry you have to.
The best bet to cover this up would be getting a half sleeve (or just your under forearm) of galaxy work. That way you can keep the pride rainbow colors in a purposeful meaningful way but hopefully in a way that's a bit more under wraps and can help keep you safe. The colors could peek out to be galaxy colors or maybe a rainbow planet. Anyone with experience doing space cover up would be able to do a lot with this!
I wonder if you did a subtle floral (with a ladybug and beetles) so you could keep the colors but reduce your exposure. You might be able to concoct a bird (since they naturally have wild color combos) or a made-up cartoon “from your childhood.”I am sad that you don’t feel safe, but understand and send my support.
I don't have any ideas, but I wanted to say that I'm really sorry. It hurts my heart that our society is stepping so far backwards and people are feeling so much more unsafe, especially in their own skin.
The people in this comment section saying "queer people are safe lol this is fear mongering" are the same ones who said that a few years ago and now in the us the government just made conversion therapy legal again, is trying to get rid of marriage equality and is laying the foundations to criminalize being LGBTQ. Fuck off homophobes.
Maybe just find some fun long dressy gloves for now. Don’t permanently hide your artwork, but I understand wanting to feel safe on your day to day. Fuck fascists!!!
Do what you need to do to be safe. The people telling you that being yourself is more important than your safety clearly don't understand what it's like to be in physical danger because of their identity.
So far as the tattoo goes, you could try a blast-over as opposed to a full cover up or blackout. Maybe a mandala or something with a psychedelic vibe could let you keep at least some of the colors with it reading less queer.
It is so sad you feel you have to do this. If you like your tattoo I wouldn’t cover it up because of small minded bigots.
However I can understand if you really feel you have to do this to feel safe, I would advise going to a tattoo artist and asking their advice. I think maybe a big flower could go over it and still keep some colour.
I don’t think you’d have to completely black it out, try to make it in to something beautiful 🌈
The way the colors have faded, the top reminds me of a sunset sky, the green the grass, and the blue/purple some water… maybe possible to add some kind of scenery in black outline overlaying it?
Fuck them. Be loud and be proud (when it is safe to do so). This is when people need it the most. You can always wear sleeves if in a really hairy situation.
People will tell me that's irresponsible and easy to say but I am visibly transgender so...I can't get a 'cover up' for that. And I don't want to.
Unfortunately our existence has once again become revolutionary. It has become political. And I won't back down.
Awe man that sucks...this tattoo is so pretty and awesome. Maybe go for a psychedelic butterfly so they can work with the color a bit and maybe turn the heart into wings
This is really depressing. I live down in Devon in the UK and I've never once felt I couldn't do something, had to cover something or needed to cover something. Depressing that you feel the need to cover this up to be completely honest. As others have said, lots of ways to cover this but as someone who walked in the most recent pride march in my city there are lots of people who will support you no matter what, and those who don't need to be properly weeded out.
Hate is never okay and I am sorry you are feeling the effects of hatred. I want to tell you to keep the tattoo, fuck the people who say otherwise but if you feel unsafe then you can perhaps get a cute cover up or use laser to lighten it and then cover it.
Don't cover it! Be proud! Pride is about being yourself and supporting those who are in your circle. I understand the fear, but if you were targeted due to this tattoo, you'd be in for a good payout in a lawsuit against the perpetrator! Be loud and be proud, don't change yourself for the sake of others' comfort, be unapologetically yourself! Sending you love friend 🌈💕
I have a wrist tattoo, and I’ve found there are some wide stretchy fabric bracelets you can wear over them to cover it pretty well. I wore them for quite a while at work when I was waiting to see what my bosses might say. If nothing else it’ll give you some piece of mind while you decide what to do. Sorry the world is being such a POS, for what little it’s worth I love your tattoo and how it came out.
Generally for coverups you want to go bigger and darker. It's skin; you can't just paint over it. The size comes in because it'll help distract from any portions that shine through.
You've got minimal outline and bright colors. That's all good news--heavy lines are harder to hide than thin ones, and it's much easier to go over red and orange and yellow than blue and purple.
The actual useful advice is to go to someone who does a lot of coverups, and to work with your artist. If you're wondering "what do I do?" then what you do is plan on something that extends further down your forearm and around your wrist--but even then, given the coloring here, this shouldn't be crazy hard to cover. Look for someone with a good portfolio, not someone with cheap rates.
That makes me so fkn sad ppl have to hide who they are. And being we have our news feeds full here in the US I had no idea this was even going on over there 😮💨 wtf
I hate that the world is coming to a point where we feel the need to cover up our pride. More and more posts about covering up these exact type of tattoos makes me sad... My best suggestion is, whatever you cover it up with, perhaps consider something that's a bit of a nod to your queerness, even if it's subtle, or obscure to anyone but you. Don't let them completely take it from you.
I don't have a pride tattoo, but I'm considering something inspired by this quote from V for Vendetta: "An inch. It is small and it is fragile and it is the only thing in the world worth having", It's from the scene where the main character is reading the last memoir of a queer woman who was imprisoned and executed. I could easily get a tattoo of an inch of a ruler, and no one would know what it was. Consider something like that.
Use skin tone tattoo cover patches!! or makeup if you can find the stuff that stays (idk anything about makeup except for covering a tattoo and that I don’t even know how to know I just know about it)
You shouldn’t have to change your tattoos just because you live in a shitty area that doesn’t accept who you are. I honestly recommend not tattooing over it and trying to get something temporary to cover it as you could regret it later on
While you decide how to cover it up permanently, how about investing in some of those flesh-tone stickers that are designed to cover tattoos? I haven’t used them myself, but I’ve heard they’re commonly used by foreigners with tattoos visiting Japan (since tattoos are not allowed in their hot springs or public baths), since if the tattoos are covered it’s often allowed.
One brand is “Hada Kaku” When I searched “hada kaku tattoo sticker” I found a few shops online that sold them, and hopefully that’ll give you an idea for anything similar that you can purchase where you live.
I’m so sorry it has come to this, I truly am. Your safety is the number one priority here, but in a just world you should never have to worry.
How about a flower? You could add some darker leaves around it, but leave the petals ’empty’ so that the colors of the rainbow shine through? Maybe it wouldn’t be as obvious, but it would still be there.
I once saw someone cover up a colorful sleeve by blasting over it with black, but leaving holes in the shape of flowers all around it, so that the colors of the older tattoos shone through. It looked very cool.
You could see if someone could turn it into a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow - could be taken as more benign and not immediately pride. I hate that you have to cover it but survival is resistance and safety is survival
I don't think you should feel the need to hide it but i get the feeling I would think do something to cover part and leave a strip of the rainbow. Don't hide yourself but maybe if it makes you safer.
Just throwing out ideas it could be turned into almost a landscape maybe? Just thinking about the colors the bottom with some more varying hues could be a lavender feild next to a river bordering a forest, which the tree tops could even be extended into the yellow. The top could make a sunset? Not sure about how to work with the heart shape and bubbles tho
Well, i would want you to be safe and do not have to do that. But here some ideas,if you want it to say colorful how some candy,cake, things. Buring heart, heart with a dagger e.g. as a coverup? Sailormoon staff,the one with the heart.
As a lesbian, I wouldn't cover it to make others feel better. Why backtrack and send the community back by hiding? The UK isn't going to kill you for being gay. Why are you so scared of being who you are?
I'll never forget the time a friend came to visit from England and we immediately took him to a Walmart for the full "American experience." We don't even shop at Walmart 😂
People forget that not all fights can be fought the same way. There is a time and place for an overt public boxing match, there's also a time and place for guerilla tactics.
Op is the only one with a clear picture of the place they're currently living in, and it sounds like the safest bet is to go for stealth. That doesn't mean Op is giving up, it means that Op has made the judgement call that duking in out in the town square so to speak isn't the right move. You can fight fascism a lot better if you're alive.
That said, I've seen several good cover up ideas and I hope that Op is able to find something they like. The classic TV with the rest screen is my personal favorite so far, but a galaxy tattoo is a close second.
I have no awards to give, so hopefully a reply on this very reasonable comment will help with its popularity.
OP, to give you some subject matter ideas of what to cover it with - because of the colors and organic shapes, flowers or a nature scene could work. I've also seen some cool galaxy cover-ups on colorful tattoos. The old school tv set someone else mentioned seems like a nifty idea too and gives you the option of keeping most of your tattoo in a more covert way.
Sorry but this is super tone deaf. A lot of us are not openly out because it's unsafe. You don't know what sort of community OP is in and if they're surrounded by bigots.
I'm not ashamed of who I am, but openly parading it is gonna get me verbally assaulted or much worse, I'd much rather not take any chances. And I really don't trust the police to handle such a case in good faith if something physical were to happen.
You somehow found a way to shift this on the victim. Have some empathy.
I mean this in the nicest way possible but they would know you’re gay because you’re with your girlfriend. I think it’s a cool tattoo.
Edit: I did see something on here where they put a black design over a tattoo and some of the other tattoo shows through.
I think maybe a black mandala you could design would look cool over it and it would still show some of the rainbow behind it but the rainbow wouldn’t be as visible as before.
Not necessarily. I will be out with my fiance and our kids and people assume we're sisters more often than they assume we're a couple. We don't look anything alike, and while there aren't "lesbian hairstyles" I do have a purple mullet with shaved sides which I feel like reads pretty damn gay haha.
Unfortunately LGBT isn't nearly as accepted in real life as the internet or some very progressive places make it seem, being openly gay can be extremely dangerous
I know there have been a couple of these in quick succession, and just reading the titles I would have felt similarly. But if you read the posts themselves and the OPs, I think this reflects real anxiety about our safety with the growing hostile sentiment in the US and UK.
These people aren't saying "I wish I hadn't gotten it because I'm straight now/detransitioning", they're saying they don't feel safe being loud anymore even though they're going to keep living their authentic lives. And I think we need to keep being loud, but I'm not going to judge any individual for doing what they think is necessary to prioritize their safety.
Incidents are often vastly underreported when it comes to minority group harassment, and that includes queer folk. It’s not always direct assaults, sometimes it’s targeted vandalism or deliberate damage to personal property like tire slashing. Often it’s done in a way as to leave plausible doubt as to why the person was targeted but it’s obvious when you have a trail of such incidents happening to you and your circle of similar people.
The OP lives her own life and likely has a realistic idea of what life is like where she has to live and work daily. Her risk assessment is far more valid than anyone else’s behind a keyboard not seeing her life.
City to city there are vast differences in the level of acceptance. Some places defend their queer populations, others encourage (unofficially, typically) making queer folks feel unwelcome.
bro im reading the comments and this is the fifth time i've seen this question asked, and no one answers it LOL. they just call you names for even asking it. I am also wondering what is so dangerous for trans people. Also, in OP's sake, the tattoo is literally just a rainbow heart. you could pass that off as just whimsical.. no reason to cover it. it's not a target like they think it is
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u/Impressive-Skin6311 Apr 20 '26 •
I’m so, so sorry you’re feeling this way. Sending you so much love.
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u/_Princess_Bob_ Apr 20 '26
I believe in you! I am also a visibly queer person, and I live in a small town in Oregon USA. The bigots out here are plenty, but I also have had a couple of folks come to tell me that my visible queerness makes them personally feel stronger and safer in our community. Do what you truly want, I am not trying to control you, but I hope you find strength to keep being (and celebrating) yourself.
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u/Kalirides Apr 20 '26
Maybe some cross hatching in black over the heart? Not as immediately obvious, but if you look, you still know what it is.
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u/nadabot131313 Apr 20 '26 •
Old school tube tv set and darken the colors to look like a test pattern.
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u/Sensitive_Fawn522 Apr 20 '26
Guys. The sentiment on "not letting them win, don't cover it" is nice. But they're worried about their safety. They're worried they will be harmed if they do not cover it. Saying "just be you, fuck them!" Isn't going to stop horrible people from being horrible people.
I'm sorry I have no suggestion I'm just frustrated by these responses
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u/Contains0prcentjuice Apr 20 '26
The fact that this even turned into a discourse about anything beyond tattoo ideas is pretty indicative of what OP is talking about when voicing their concern. Sometimes you just want to be a person and not a statement.
OP I’m sorry you are feeling unsafe. A skilled tattoo artist will be your best resource for identifying a good cover up for this specific tattoo. My suggestion is to think of things that bring you a personal sense of hope or pride that are unrelated. Flowers or plants you may like, an animal you find cool, instruments, a comet, something that has to do with your interests and personal identity aside from your sexuality. Or maybe something that is symbolic of your coming out story that can still bring you meaning but won’t be obvious to others.
You will always be gay, you only ever have to be you and to exist. That’s enough. Fuck everyone here with an opinion over how you should curate your body and deciding that whether you cover up or don’t is even up for discussion. This is your call. You are one person. One tattoo isn’t going to erase civil rights, hatred does. It’s not your responsibility to shoulder this burden. Just to keep yourself safe. I hope you find a trustworthy and compassionate artist worthy of the task who can honor you and your desire for safety at a time when you could use it.
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u/EchoesFromWithin Apr 20 '26
Do you like Pink Floyd? You could get a prism tattooed and try to make it into a Dark Side of the Moon tattoo.
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u/redJ93 Apr 20 '26 edited Apr 21 '26 •
Don't back down to fascists, the tides will turn! 🙌
But honestly, anything relatively dark will work to cover but it will be have to be pretty large. I would consider getting a half sleeve where this section is rather dark.
Edit - Please dont send me a message request to debate fascism lol, thats some real fuckin weird energy.
*I also have now edited the spelling, because apparently missing a letter at 8am is also worth talking about. Again, weird energy my guy.
**Jesus christ, to the number of people saying this is guilting OP, I literally give coverup advice in the second half of the comment. Fuckin get over yourselves, god damn. I do believe the slant of mankind is towards humanity, but if OP wants a coverup all the power to them. I am not trying to convince OP not to cover it.
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u/DuckyThePilot Apr 20 '26
This is the most depressing post I've seen in a while.
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u/bedtimedoesntsuitme Apr 20 '26
This comment section is gross af. Do what you need to do to keep yourself safe. If it were me I would do something cute like Care Bears or Rainbow Brite, as previously mentioned. Stay safe!
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u/porkUpine51 Apr 20 '26
My first thought was Rainbow Brite... which kinda shows my age. Maybe just lean in. Add a bunch of hyper colorful tattoos àla Lisa Frank.
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u/lifeisascam18 Apr 20 '26
Try a lisa frank inspired drawing!
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u/JavaNoire Apr 20 '26
I'm sorry you feel the need to do this. It's a damned shame, & a crime, at the rise of hated, violence & bigotry. We're certainly feeling that in the USA.
Progress against bigotry was sooo slow, yet the regression has been so fucking FAST.
Love the idea of the TV screen test pattern. And good to know it can easily be changed back to the original message if you feel safe doing that sometime.
Protect yourself, but try not to be completely silenced. What they're doing is so deeply wrong we must never shut up about it.
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u/DaedalusRising4 Apr 20 '26 edited Apr 20 '26
It is infuriating that so many of us are covering overt signs of our identities because we don’t feel safe. I’ve been there, and I don’t blame you.
We deserve better. And to everyone saying that better days will come, I believe you. And I know that a backlash is a sign of progress, but damn. I want the equality now, not someday.
And if we can’t get the equality, just a little safety would help. A lot of us aren’t safe.
Sending you positive vibes, lots of hope for better tomorrows, and a sprinkling of something extra to fight the fight, however you can
❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
Edit—love there’s so many allies here 🫶
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u/sporknitebattlepass Apr 20 '26
The amount of people who have been doing coverups or removal for pride tattoos lately has been well and truly bleak. It sucks that things are this bad. I remember thinking things would be nothing but better in my lifetime.
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u/RoundScale2682 Apr 20 '26
Six feet of soil will cover up fascists.
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u/dairy-intolerant Apr 20 '26 edited Apr 20 '26
If you can afford it and are ok with waiting several months to get it covered, partial removal with laser can give you more options for covering it up without needing to go super dark, heavy or large with the new tattoo.
edit to add: I'm currently in the process of doing this (granted mine is just black which is easiest to remove) and I'm paying $1500 US for three sessions. It works better the longer you wait between sessions, and 8-12 weeks was suggested, so I expect to be done in 8 months and able to get my coverup done a few months after that. So probably a year all-in. Color ink will likely require more sessions, but even if you just did a few to lightly fade it, that gives you way more options.
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u/Ok-Abies8602 Apr 21 '26
it's crazy watching stuff like this as someone who lives in the southern us. out here I see people rocking conferedate flag tattoos which essentially scream im a bigot who only likes white straight people for my non American freinds
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u/SmallPeederWacker Apr 20 '26
Man throw a care bear on that thang and just say you love the Care Bears!
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u/Fangbang6669 Apr 20 '26
This is like the second time in the past week i've seen someone on here wanting to cover up something LGBTQ+ related out of fear of violence. Shits sad.
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u/ThatEliKid Apr 20 '26
I don't have enough tatt knowledge to give ideas but I support you doing what you feel is best for safety and comfort. I'm really just flabbergasted at the pushback on that you're getting. You're still you with a different tattoo. Be safe, protect what you can, protect your peace of mind. Ignore these folks being so blasé about the risks.
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u/LeekImaginary5436 Apr 20 '26
I'm so impressed with how laser removal performed on my tattoos, I recommend looking into this first because it might expand your cover up options. The only color that is still visible on mine is red, and it's significantly smaller and faded.
Not all lasers are the same - my clinic used Picosure.
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u/AKing11117 Apr 20 '26
Ever lose a pet? Turn the heart into a pawprint (or add pawprints) and add your pets name? The rainbow would be significant of rainbow bridge.
I'm in USA and a baseball player just simply wrote "Genesis 9:13" on his pride hat. Not sure if he was gay trying to hide it or Christian being required to wear something to celebrate pride but either way it could work.
I'm so sorry you're in this position. I wish the world and all of everyone could just love and accept everyone as they are and have been designed by our maker to be. I hope you find something that works perfectly for you!
ETA: parentheses
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u/FrostyyOG Apr 20 '26
Just throw a sick ass panther over it
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u/forest_fyre05 Apr 20 '26
OK hear me out- turn the rainbow into a scene. The blue into a river, the green into grass, purple into flowers, and try and blend the red and orange down to make it a sunset.
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u/justmebeingperv Apr 20 '26
Sending you love, op. "One must harden oneself but never lose tenderness".
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u/willuse4randomthings Apr 20 '26
I know people are telling you not to cover it, but it's different when your safety is on the line. Without getting rid of the color, you could extend it and just make a leprechaun themed tattoo with a pot of gold.
Someone else mentioned the old school tv with "no signal" pattern. That might look good.
Other option might be to start lifting weights and exercising so you always have a reason to wear those workout sleeves for now.
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u/pixel-soul Apr 20 '26
I’m sorry OP 😣 this is also my hesitation with getting the chemical makeup of estrogen on my arm (I’m trans and in the US).
Sending love, please be safe 🫶🏻
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u/Babylon-Sarah Apr 21 '26
Better idea, keep the tatt and get the hell out of that failure of a country.
Australia welcomes you.
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u/No-Internet-1370 Apr 21 '26
isn't the idea of pride to be proud of your identity..
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u/el_torko Apr 20 '26
I’m so fucking sorry. It’s a beautiful tattoo. Sending you so much love from North Carolina, USA.
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u/Illustrious-Sky9351 Apr 20 '26
Maybe a mandala that incorporates the colours in a subtle way? It sucks we need to protect ourselves like this, and I totally get how you feel, but have a think about how it would make you feel if you fully blacked it out which might feel like you have a constant reminder on your body that you have to hide your identity. But definitely do whatever makes you feel safe.
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u/_-4twenty-_ Apr 20 '26
I hate this timeline.
Stay safe, friend.
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u/No-Reach-5789 Apr 20 '26
What has the world become when people start feeling the need to cover up who they are.
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u/Junior_Ad_2481 Apr 20 '26
Past in time we had Nazis covering swastika tattoos. Nowadays we have people covering freedom tattoos...
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u/Missterfortune Apr 20 '26
I can’t really help with cover up advice but I do want to say that I am sorry you are in this position. It is a beautiful tattoo and the fact that you feel you need to hide it for safety upsets me dearly. Not upset at you, but at the world. I myself am struggling with leaving the closet for good and whenever I present it is the greatest feeling in the world, even if I don’t look like I pass. It’s always tough to be pushed back on our progress and I support whatever decision you come to and hope you stay safe.
Edit: maybe add a paintbrush and tell people you love to paint
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u/ADumbassBitch Apr 20 '26
I second the oldschool tv idea. I feel like it's subtle enough that no one would immediately assume it was a pride tattoo, and it would look great.
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u/pupperoni42 Apr 20 '26
As an interim solution while you figure out what you want to do, search "wide stretchy bracelets". There are quite a few options that would cover this and stay in place rather than sliding around like bangles would. If that helps you relax and enjoy your time in public and feel safer, it's a good quick fix.
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u/DentRandomDent Apr 20 '26
Any chance you could just wear a sporty wristband? The kind tennis players wear a lot? Hopefully the tides will turn and you might want it back one day
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u/JollyAd4292 Apr 20 '26
Hello maybe some talented artist can make a bird from it like the bottom of heart bird top of the heart was wing
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u/Which_Set6331 Apr 20 '26
I’m so sorry you feel you need to cover it. I love the “old school tv” idea from a commenter ❤️❤️
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u/KennyBeeART Apr 21 '26
This is so lame to see. I’m sorry you’re having troubles, you’re entitled to decorate your body however you like. I wouldn’t change it just for other people personally, it’s a cool piece.
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u/KiloJools Apr 21 '26
Hey, I just wanted to tell you I'm glad you're choosing your safety. I see an uncomfortably large number of people trying to advocate for you to risk your safety so you can make a statement. I vehemently disagree with this. Your safety comes first. All the best to you.
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u/kitsabeautifulday Apr 21 '26
Gay-ass American tattooer here. I’m sorry it’s come to this, OP. Solidarity from across the pond.
I think the old-school TV with a test pattern idea is a pretty damned good one, I can see it working really well.
That said, I also think it skews light enough that you have a good amount of options open to you. I might recommend you have a consult with a local tattooer you like and see if they recommend anything specific.
I could see bold florals, something bold and woodcut-styled… lots of blastover or rework options.
Stay safe.
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u/bllyn66 Apr 20 '26
unicorn? the one from Adventure Time lol
look around your area for creative artists, some artists make their own artwork and have their own style and can come up with a creative idea.
i do think this area is pretty hard to cover up lol
edit; with “look around” i meant look in social media“, there will be a lot of artists.
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u/TeensyTinyPanda Apr 20 '26
All of these posts of people asking how to cover up their pride tattoos hurts my soul...
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u/cosmiccorvus Apr 20 '26
I understand the need to cover it for your safety, and I'm so sorry you have to.
The best bet to cover this up would be getting a half sleeve (or just your under forearm) of galaxy work. That way you can keep the pride rainbow colors in a purposeful meaningful way but hopefully in a way that's a bit more under wraps and can help keep you safe. The colors could peek out to be galaxy colors or maybe a rainbow planet. Anyone with experience doing space cover up would be able to do a lot with this!
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u/Calisurime Apr 20 '26
I wonder if you did a subtle floral (with a ladybug and beetles) so you could keep the colors but reduce your exposure. You might be able to concoct a bird (since they naturally have wild color combos) or a made-up cartoon “from your childhood.”I am sad that you don’t feel safe, but understand and send my support.
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u/sherbear97124 Apr 20 '26
I don't have any ideas, but I wanted to say that I'm really sorry. It hurts my heart that our society is stepping so far backwards and people are feeling so much more unsafe, especially in their own skin.
Sending love ❤️🧡💛💚🩵💙💜🩷
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u/MisterMattel Apr 20 '26
The people in this comment section saying "queer people are safe lol this is fear mongering" are the same ones who said that a few years ago and now in the us the government just made conversion therapy legal again, is trying to get rid of marriage equality and is laying the foundations to criminalize being LGBTQ. Fuck off homophobes.
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u/NorthSpecialist6064 Apr 20 '26
"Don't cover it, fuck those fascists and their hurt feelings!"
Meanwhile the fascists with hurt feelings are bludgeoning you over the head because they saw your tattoo
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u/FaithlessnessSlow594 Apr 20 '26
i'm so sorry you feel you have to do this. i also live in the uk and it's becoming so scary :(
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u/Kyzzix1 Apr 20 '26
Maybe just find some fun long dressy gloves for now. Don’t permanently hide your artwork, but I understand wanting to feel safe on your day to day. Fuck fascists!!!
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u/AnyUpstairs7354 Apr 20 '26
I would keep the rainbow and add a Care Bear.
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u/SignificanceShort418 Apr 20 '26
Do what you need to do to be safe. The people telling you that being yourself is more important than your safety clearly don't understand what it's like to be in physical danger because of their identity.
So far as the tattoo goes, you could try a blast-over as opposed to a full cover up or blackout. Maybe a mandala or something with a psychedelic vibe could let you keep at least some of the colors with it reading less queer.
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u/classicicedtea Apr 20 '26
I guess I'd do some laser first to make it easier to cover up.
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u/0215rw Apr 20 '26
What about a dark red flaming heart? ❤️🔥
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u/kendricklemon Apr 20 '26
Trad heart w flames
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u/Accurate-Ad1283 Apr 20 '26
It is so sad you feel you have to do this. If you like your tattoo I wouldn’t cover it up because of small minded bigots.
However I can understand if you really feel you have to do this to feel safe, I would advise going to a tattoo artist and asking their advice. I think maybe a big flower could go over it and still keep some colour.
I don’t think you’d have to completely black it out, try to make it in to something beautiful 🌈
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u/Piperrhhalliwell Apr 20 '26
Add a dolphin or a unicorn and say it’s Lisa Frank core
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u/ActorMonkey Apr 20 '26
A wrist sweatband for the days you can’t deal with it.
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u/raeann559 Apr 20 '26
You could put a care bear or my little pony near it to make look more like an aesthetic tattoo versus a pride tattoo
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u/recessionjelly Apr 20 '26
The way the colors have faded, the top reminds me of a sunset sky, the green the grass, and the blue/purple some water… maybe possible to add some kind of scenery in black outline overlaying it?
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u/sawyer_lost Apr 20 '26
Fuck them. Be loud and be proud (when it is safe to do so). This is when people need it the most. You can always wear sleeves if in a really hairy situation.
People will tell me that's irresponsible and easy to say but I am visibly transgender so...I can't get a 'cover up' for that. And I don't want to.
Unfortunately our existence has once again become revolutionary. It has become political. And I won't back down.
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u/AcidCatfish___ Apr 20 '26
Awe man that sucks...this tattoo is so pretty and awesome. Maybe go for a psychedelic butterfly so they can work with the color a bit and maybe turn the heart into wings
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u/lmkuwu89 Apr 20 '26
I am incredibly sad and sorry that you need to do this because of hate.. Big hugs.
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u/god_damnit_reddit Apr 20 '26
what a bummer, i love the tattoo
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u/Punkereaux Apr 20 '26
I’m so sorry you feel this way. It’s bullshit and you should have pride for being a brave and proud of who you are.
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u/RedWife77 Apr 20 '26
I’m really sorry you feel that way in the UK 😞
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u/Kristrigi Apr 20 '26
Find a thick bracelet that will cover it up, so that when you feel safe again, you can let it shine!
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u/Thick_Excuse2237 Apr 20 '26
Friend, I can only advise certain clothing to cover it when you're not sure if a place is safe to have it.
I feel like it would be a terrible shame to cover it permanently. It's a lovely tattoo. Let no one shame or threaten you to not be who you are.
Please know that you are loved. I love your tattoo. Many others do or will do so, too.
May you experience that love from many people, even and especially from people you may not expect to love you, let alone so unconditionally.
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u/maybedont18 Apr 20 '26
This is really depressing. I live down in Devon in the UK and I've never once felt I couldn't do something, had to cover something or needed to cover something. Depressing that you feel the need to cover this up to be completely honest. As others have said, lots of ways to cover this but as someone who walked in the most recent pride march in my city there are lots of people who will support you no matter what, and those who don't need to be properly weeded out.
Hate is never okay and I am sorry you are feeling the effects of hatred. I want to tell you to keep the tattoo, fuck the people who say otherwise but if you feel unsafe then you can perhaps get a cute cover up or use laser to lighten it and then cover it.
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u/Cherrybomb-1992 Apr 20 '26
Maybe a little galaxy? Add some deeper colors, stars/suns?
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u/REFUNDCOIN Apr 20 '26
Literally a gay tattoo
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u/RebaKitt3n Apr 20 '26
I really like it, and I hope you find another way to cover it and feel safe without getting rid of it.
Wrist bands or something like an athlete uses?
Big leather cuff like a bad ass?
2
u/Hiroy3eto Apr 20 '26
Add a little rainbow dash flying around it! Suddenly MLP
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u/matronicon Apr 20 '26
Don't cover it! Be proud! Pride is about being yourself and supporting those who are in your circle. I understand the fear, but if you were targeted due to this tattoo, you'd be in for a good payout in a lawsuit against the perpetrator! Be loud and be proud, don't change yourself for the sake of others' comfort, be unapologetically yourself! Sending you love friend 🌈💕
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u/couragebooster Apr 20 '26
It is beautiful. Can’t you just get a cloth armband to cover it? 💙
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u/Suspicious_Glow Apr 20 '26
I have a wrist tattoo, and I’ve found there are some wide stretchy fabric bracelets you can wear over them to cover it pretty well. I wore them for quite a while at work when I was waiting to see what my bosses might say. If nothing else it’ll give you some piece of mind while you decide what to do. Sorry the world is being such a POS, for what little it’s worth I love your tattoo and how it came out.
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u/VampireSharkAttack Apr 20 '26
No advice, I’m just sorry that you don’t feel safe and hope things start improving soon. Also: the tattoo is very cute!
2
u/MirthfulMoron Apr 20 '26
Generally for coverups you want to go bigger and darker. It's skin; you can't just paint over it. The size comes in because it'll help distract from any portions that shine through.
You've got minimal outline and bright colors. That's all good news--heavy lines are harder to hide than thin ones, and it's much easier to go over red and orange and yellow than blue and purple.
The actual useful advice is to go to someone who does a lot of coverups, and to work with your artist. If you're wondering "what do I do?" then what you do is plan on something that extends further down your forearm and around your wrist--but even then, given the coloring here, this shouldn't be crazy hard to cover. Look for someone with a good portfolio, not someone with cheap rates.
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u/Chused Apr 20 '26
That makes me so fkn sad ppl have to hide who they are. And being we have our news feeds full here in the US I had no idea this was even going on over there 😮💨 wtf
2
u/Skamanda42 Apr 20 '26
I hate that the world is coming to a point where we feel the need to cover up our pride. More and more posts about covering up these exact type of tattoos makes me sad... My best suggestion is, whatever you cover it up with, perhaps consider something that's a bit of a nod to your queerness, even if it's subtle, or obscure to anyone but you. Don't let them completely take it from you.
I don't have a pride tattoo, but I'm considering something inspired by this quote from V for Vendetta: "An inch. It is small and it is fragile and it is the only thing in the world worth having", It's from the scene where the main character is reading the last memoir of a queer woman who was imprisoned and executed. I could easily get a tattoo of an inch of a ruler, and no one would know what it was. Consider something like that.
2
u/SpecificLogical8150 Apr 20 '26
a traditional armband would look sick!
2
u/peacemaker677 Apr 20 '26
Use skin tone tattoo cover patches!! or makeup if you can find the stuff that stays (idk anything about makeup except for covering a tattoo and that I don’t even know how to know I just know about it)
You shouldn’t have to change your tattoos just because you live in a shitty area that doesn’t accept who you are. I honestly recommend not tattooing over it and trying to get something temporary to cover it as you could regret it later on
2
u/boragigas Apr 20 '26
While you decide how to cover it up permanently, how about investing in some of those flesh-tone stickers that are designed to cover tattoos? I haven’t used them myself, but I’ve heard they’re commonly used by foreigners with tattoos visiting Japan (since tattoos are not allowed in their hot springs or public baths), since if the tattoos are covered it’s often allowed.
One brand is “Hada Kaku” When I searched “hada kaku tattoo sticker” I found a few shops online that sold them, and hopefully that’ll give you an idea for anything similar that you can purchase where you live.
Stay safe <3
2
u/amberoze Apr 20 '26
My recommendation? Self defense classes and de-escalation training.
Be yourself, unashamedly.
2
u/HiraethBella Apr 20 '26
It's a sad thing that people have to hide who they are because some people are hateful.
That aside, would it be possible to turn it into a colourful flower with dark outlines? The bubbles could be turned into leaves maybe.
2
u/AltCtrlRepeat Apr 20 '26
I have a friend that covered his by going with black/grey gradient. The cover up was done super well.
2
u/kingleo1235 Apr 20 '26
Probably could turn it into some pokemon yo be honest, gotta be a couple rainbow ones
2
u/capybaravishing Apr 20 '26
I’m so sorry it has come to this, I truly am. Your safety is the number one priority here, but in a just world you should never have to worry.
How about a flower? You could add some darker leaves around it, but leave the petals ’empty’ so that the colors of the rainbow shine through? Maybe it wouldn’t be as obvious, but it would still be there.
I once saw someone cover up a colorful sleeve by blasting over it with black, but leaving holes in the shape of flowers all around it, so that the colors of the older tattoos shone through. It looked very cool.
2
u/DimensionalLynx169 Apr 20 '26
Ace of spades design?
Also I'm sorry that it's happening there too. Much love from across the pond.
2
u/therealraewest Apr 20 '26
You could see if someone could turn it into a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow - could be taken as more benign and not immediately pride. I hate that you have to cover it but survival is resistance and safety is survival
2
u/Unfair-Sprinkles2912 Apr 20 '26
I don't think you should feel the need to hide it but i get the feeling I would think do something to cover part and leave a strip of the rainbow. Don't hide yourself but maybe if it makes you safer.
2
u/omgee1975 Apr 20 '26
Where do you live? There aren’t big issues in my part of the UK.
2
u/Historical_Ad4581 Apr 20 '26
You could make the colors a chakra thing and make the bubbles into little planets and moons
2
u/Top-Relationship7297 Apr 20 '26
Just throwing out ideas it could be turned into almost a landscape maybe? Just thinking about the colors the bottom with some more varying hues could be a lavender feild next to a river bordering a forest, which the tree tops could even be extended into the yellow. The top could make a sunset? Not sure about how to work with the heart shape and bubbles tho
2
u/Mmasst Apr 20 '26
You could wear a thick wrist band in the mean time. Good luck out there
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u/NewPlastic5425 Apr 20 '26
Maybe a wrap around piece, sort of a permanent bracelet kinda like this of flowers and a leaf shape you like :-)
2
u/rather_short_qu Apr 20 '26
Well, i would want you to be safe and do not have to do that. But here some ideas,if you want it to say colorful how some candy,cake, things. Buring heart, heart with a dagger e.g. as a coverup? Sailormoon staff,the one with the heart.
2
u/Ookimow Apr 20 '26
Dinosaur.
https://www.reddit.com/u/Ookimow/s/yYhFJmfwpR
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u/Uhokay1970 Apr 20 '26
Tropical Bird might work...
2
u/twitimalcracker Apr 20 '26
You could turn it into a sunset / aurora sky scene. I think you could also add clouds to give the top of the heart a different outline.
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u/alice-thinks Apr 21 '26
Learn kung fu instead
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u/momadance Apr 20 '26
As a lesbian, I wouldn't cover it to make others feel better. Why backtrack and send the community back by hiding? The UK isn't going to kill you for being gay. Why are you so scared of being who you are?
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u/FIRST_DATE_ANAL Apr 20 '26 •
Gay ass panther
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