BME: Body Modification Ezine

A black-and-white photo of a person mid-air in a Superman-style body suspension pose, supported by multiple hooks in their back and legs, smiling joyfully toward the camera. They are suspended horizontally in a large indoor space with high ceilings and visible rigging. A group of onlookers—some seated, some standing—watch with expressions of admiration, amusement, and support. The atmosphere is lively and communal, capturing a moment of shared experience and transformation.

Tattoo, Piercing, and Body Modification News, Events, and Culture

This Can’t Be Taken Away

Written by

Shannon Larratt

When Michael joined the Navy about a year ago he had to make some serious sacrifices, including not only removing all of his piercings, but even had his nearly 2″ lobe surgically reconstructed.

I hid a lot of what I felt was me to attempt a new path in life. It was a difficult thing to do, but I knew in the end it was what I wanted. I always knew that I could come back to who I was after a few years, and pick up right where I left off. Nothing would be permanently lost, but a part of me would definitely have to be hidden from plain sight for the time being.

With the sacrifice of my piercings and lifestyle, I decided I wanted to get something to remind myself that no matter what, I’m still the same person I always was, and nothing can change that. Nothing seemed to fit more than the BME Calm logo I’d grown to love for quite a while now. It will be a constant reminder of who I am, was, and will become in the future.

BME is definitely much more than a website… It’s a way of being, and to report the all-too-obvious cliché, a family.

michael-calm.jpg

Comments

14 responses to “This Can’t Be Taken Away”

  1. Brett Avatar
    Brett

    Can’t go wrong with that logo. I absolutely love both versions of Calm.

  2. Brett Avatar
    Brett

    Can’t go wrong with that logo. I absolutely love both versions of Calm.

  3. original_sly Avatar
    original_sly

    Thats a clean tatt yo, very nice 🙂

  4. original_sly Avatar
    original_sly

    Thats a clean tatt yo, very nice 🙂

  5. Burgh Avatar
    Burgh

    shit is dope…
    by the way, it was done by Drewski, an apprentice at Fuzion Ink in Norfolk, VA

  6. Burgh Avatar
    Burgh

    shit is dope…
    by the way, it was done by Drewski, an apprentice at Fuzion Ink in Norfolk, VA

  7. Dylan Avatar
    Dylan

    its perfect.

    BME is definitely much more than a website… It’s a way of being, and to report the all-too-obvious cliché, a family.
    Best was to say it Shannon!

  8. Dylan Avatar
    Dylan

    its perfect.

    BME is definitely much more than a website… It’s a way of being, and to report the all-too-obvious cliché, a family.
    Best was to say it Shannon!

  9. ookah Avatar
    ookah

    new account, first comment ever. just had to sign up to comment on this one :]. the story behind it almost made me cry :’(. very beatiful, hope you enjoy your “new” life :).

  10. ookah Avatar
    ookah

    new account, first comment ever. just had to sign up to comment on this one :]. the story behind it almost made me cry :’(. very beatiful, hope you enjoy your “new” life :).

  11. Scrappies Avatar
    Scrappies

    I could never imagine having to have my lobes reversed. Mine are only 5/8 but they are a huge part of who i am. That takes tons of courage.

  12. Scrappies Avatar
    Scrappies

    I could never imagine having to have my lobes reversed. Mine are only 5/8 but they are a huge part of who i am. That takes tons of courage.

  13. vini Avatar
    vini

    wise talk man wise talk

  14. vini Avatar
    vini

    wise talk man wise talk

Latest Tattoo, Piercing, and Body Modification News

  • Skin and Strings: The Art of Human Puppetry
    by Jonathon
    One of the most powerful things about being at a convention like OSC is the sheer concentration of experience, creativity, and capability in one place. When you’re surrounded by people who not only understand the technical complexities of suspension but are excited by the challenge… Read more: Skin and Strings: The Art of Human Puppetry
  • Twelve Points to the Sky
    by Jonathon
    There’s a particular kind of magic that happens at your first big suspension gathering when you arrive with nerves, an open heart, and the quiet hope of flight. Guided by the encouragement of mentor Lynn Loheide and driven by the quiet confidence of belonging, Alex… Read more: Twelve Points to the Sky
  • Ontario SusCon 2025
    by Jonathon
    In March 2025, BME attended the Ontario Suspension Convention in Hamilton, hosted by the Kevin Donaghy and the Ontario Suspension Collective. We had the pleasure to take part and help document the event, but also run a booth to sell a bunch of old (but… Read more: Ontario SusCon 2025
  • Welcome Back to Body Modification Ezine
    by Nef
    Dear BME Community, We’ve been gone far too long, but BME is back to give people a voice, a space, a community. With time everything evolves, and BME may be different than you remember. Our goal is to stay true to Shannon and Rachel’s values… Read more: Welcome Back to Body Modification Ezine
  • BME Social Media
    by Nef
    Word of mouth has been our method of reuniting the community, and it has brought a substantial amount of us together. I am inspired by your loyalty and I want to remind more people of BME’s existence. In 2020 we gained control over @bmezine on… Read more: BME Social Media
  • BMEShop
    by Nef
    Despite the hurricanes in 2015 which destroyed almost all of what Rachel owned, she managed to save the original inventory from BME. We have relisted some of the stock on BMEShop.com with the hopes you may be interested.  Our first drop includes a selection of… Read more: BMEShop