TL;DR
- Lush’s Pride mural features a tiger with top surgery scars.
- Right-wing critics, including Julia Hartley-Brewer, express outrage.
- Artist Bucky Ringsell defends the mural’s message.
- The mural aims to celebrate trans bodies and journeys.
- Lush has a history of supporting trans rights.
In a world where pride should reign supreme, a vibrant display at a Lush cosmetics store in Chelmsford, England has sparked an uproar that’s as loud as a tiger’s roar. This isn’t just any mural; it features a stunning tiger flaunting its top surgery scars, adorned with the colors of the transgender Pride flag. But instead of celebrating this bold expression of identity, some right-wing commentators are throwing a fit.
The artwork, created by queer artist Bucky Ringsell, is accompanied by the empowering phrase “PROUD OF MY STRIPES.” But Julia Hartley-Brewer, a right-wing anchor on TalkTV, took to social media to voice her disgust. With a following of over 500,000, she blasted the mural as “DISGUSTING,” claiming it encourages young girls to undergo surgery. “This is beyond repulsive. It’s dangerous and sick,” she fumed, suggesting that no parent should let their child near a Lush store.
But hold the phone, Julia! Let’s get one thing straight: conflating top surgery with mastectomies is as misguided as it is damaging. While both involve surgery on the breast area, top surgery is specifically designed for transgender individuals to align their physical appearance with their gender identity, often preserving more tissue than a mastectomy, which is typically performed for cancer treatment.
Ringsell, who uses they/them pronouns and has undergone top surgery themselves, didn’t take the backlash lying down. In a fierce Instagram post, they defended their creation, stating, “For some bizarre reason, transphobic nutters have discovered my mural on Lush’s window and called for its removal.” They emphasized that the mural is part of a city-wide campaign to support trans individuals. “Being proud of your scars (aka stripes) is something everyone can take inspiration from, regardless of your journey,” Ringsell added, highlighting the beauty of trans bodies.
The Lush brand isn’t new to controversy; they have a history of championing trans rights. Following the landmark 2025 U.K. Supreme Court decision that defined trans individuals by their gender assigned at birth, Lush launched a series of inclusive campaigns, including window displays and bath bombs in trans Pride colors, with proceeds benefiting U.K.-based trans charities.
So, while some may want to silence this vibrant expression of identity, the message is clear: celebrating who you are, scars and all, is something to be proud of. And as for the critics? Well, they might want to take a lesson from that tiger and learn to embrace their own stripes.
http://www.twitter.com/mathewrodriguez"