Written by our People & Culture Partner - Seren Adamson

There is a respect problem in our industry, and we are done being quiet about it.

If you work in the piercing industry long enough, there’s something you become painfully familiar with.

The comments.

The inappropriate jokes.
The sexual assumptions.
The invasive questions.
The constant reduction of an entire profession down to crude stereotypes and cheap humour.

For many piercers, particularly women in the industry, this behaviour has become so normalised that people almost expect us to tolerate it quietly.

Clients making comments about “hidden piercings.”
Asking whether piercers are “kinky” because of the jewellery they wear.
Questioning what it’s like to have sex with the piercer. (WHAT?!)
Making jokes about genital piercings.
Treating appointments like an opportunity for entertainment and being blind to its beauty, rather than respecting the professionalism of the environment they are in.

These are not made up examples to shock you, but real and raw experiences from our piercers, and while some people dismiss this behaviour as “banter,” we need to start calling it what it really is:

Disrespect.

Not only towards the professionals working within this industry, but towards the craft itself!

The Piercing Industry Is Constantly Reduced to Sexualisation

There is something deeply frustrating about the way society views piercers.

People are happy to celebrate tattoos as art.
Hairdressers as creatives.
Beauty therapists as professionals.

But piercing?

Piercing is still constantly reduced to part shock value, with a touch of fetishisation and a sprinkle of sexual ‘humour’.

And honestly, it says far more about society’s perception than it does about our industry.

Yes, intimate piercings exist.
Yes, some people get piercings for sexual empowerment.

But why is that treated as something shameful?

At Empress, we are incredibly proud to provide those services for clients who choose them because, guess what guys… body autonomy matters.

Confidence matters.
Self expression matters.
Feeling empowered in your own skin matters.

And no client should ever feel embarrassed for seeking that experience.
Equally, no piercer should ever feel degraded for providing it.

A Piercer’s Job Is IMPACTFUL

People outside this industry often massively underestimate what professional piercing actually involves.

Every single day, piercers work with people during vulnerable moments.

We see people reclaim confidence after illness.
We see people rebuilding relationships with their bodies.
We see survivors reconnecting with themselves.
We see people feeling beautiful. 

This industry is sooo rich in history, culture and meaning.

Piercing has existed across civilisations for thousands of years. It has symbolised status, spirituality, identity, resistance, beauty, and belonging long before modern society turned parts of it into punchlines.

And yet somehow, many piercers still walk into work knowing they may be objectified, or sexualised, or even MOCKED, simply for doing their jobs.

Why?

The Comparison Nobody Wants to Acknowledge

A GP may examine intimate areas as part of their job.

A nurse may assist with procedures involving the body.

A healthcare professional may discuss sexual wellbeing openly and professionally.

Yet most people understand there is a line between professionalism and inappropriate behaviour, and don’t reduce the entire profession to one small aspect of the work.

So why does society still think that behaviour is acceptable towards piercers?

The answer, unfortunately, is prejudice.

And it is time the industry starts speaking about it more openly.

Piercing Is About EMPOWERMENT

One of the most beautiful things about piercing is the transformation we witness in people every single day.

Sometimes it’s subtle.
Sometimes it’s emotional.
Sometimes it completely changes how someone sees themselves.

A piercing can represent:
● Confidence
● Identity
● Healing
● Ownership of your body
● Rebellion
● Femininity
● Masculinity
● Queerness
● Survival
● Freedom

And yes, sometimes sexuality too.

But sexuality should not automatically invite disrespect.

There is a huge difference between empowerment and objectification.

One is chosen.
The other is imposed.

 

We Are Changing the Narrative

At Empress, we are no longer interested in quietly tolerating this behaviour because “it comes with the territory.”

It should NOT come with the territory.
Piercers deserve respect.
Clients deserve safe environments free from judgement and humiliation.

And we will continue working tirelessly to help change public perception around piercing and body modification.

Because piercing is not trashy, unintelligent, or something to mock.

It is art.
It is history.
It is culture.
It is trust.
It is empowerment.
It is craftsmanship.
It is human connection.

And we want future generations to grow up understanding that.

We want piercing to be recognised in every household for the beauty and richness it truly holds — not reduced to crap jokes and outdated stereotypes.

The Future of This Industry Depends on Education

Realistically, stigma around piercing will not disappear overnight.

But conversations like this matter.

Because the more professional this industry becomes, the less space there is for people to reduce it to ignorance.

And the truth is, many of us entered this industry because we genuinely care about people.

That should never be met with disrespect.

This blog is not about outrage.

It is about accountability.

At Empress, we are incredibly proud of this industry.
We are proud of the empowerment it creates.
We are proud of the confidence it builds.
We are proud of the artistry, education, and care involved in what we do.

And we will continue doing everything we can to protect both our clients and our staff from the ignorance that has followed our industry for far too long.

Because… Our industry is BEAUTIFUL.