Triangle at Passage

At A Glance Author Lilith Contact Lilith@bme.anon Artist Tee Studio Passage Location Toronto

I am definitely of the self-conscious variety, but less so these days than I once was. As a child I was fearful of the usual things - needles, monsters under my bed, darkness etc.

As a teen my mission was to conquer my fears, usually by staring them straight in the face. To challenge my needle fear I got my septum pierced at 16 (age, not gauge). I'd always viewed the piercing as one symbolizing strength (a quality that can never be 'achieved' but can be worked on), so it seemed the perfect choice. The piercing was a definite success. I loved the way it looked (still do!), but more importantly, I wasn't scared anymore.

Back to the self-conscious thing:

From a very early age I was self-conscious about my body, perhaps because I was/am a little large, and also because I was an early developer. As a teenager, sex was something that had to take place under dark (literally, not conceptually) circumstances, and usually resulting in unpleasant experiences as I was always unable to sufficiently relax. The problem was overcome by my meeting someone I truly loved, and who accepted and loved my body regardless of if my legs had been shaved or if particular parts were getting a bit chubby. To celebrate this new view of my body, my overall renewed confidence and my new-found pleasure in sexual experiences, I decided I wanted a genital piercing.

Since I was after a piercing that was both visually appealing (a subjective matter, I know) as well as sexually stimulating, I chose the Triange piercing. It was now just a matter of whether or not I had the anatomy to support it.

I chose Passage - a tattoo and branding, but primarily a piercing shop on Church Street - because I had been there before for an inner conch and scrumper piercing and found the place to be not only very comfortable and inviting, but also that I trusted the staff (notably Tee, the head piercer) as she is not only a full-time piercer, but also that I had closely examined her portfolio and believed her to be refreshingly experienced and competent.

I booked an appointment in person, and when the day came I slept in a little so as to be fully rested, and ate a wonderful breakfast in bed that my boyfriend made for me. We made our way to Passage on the subway, and my boyfriend told me that he'd spring for a cab on the way home if I didn't feel up to walking afterwards.

We walked up the stairway into the reception area and enjoyed the wonderful aroma of... well, I don't know what the smell is... I should have asked. It did, though, remind me of lavender.

We sat on the couch looking through some portfolios and then Tee came down and said that it was my turn. She said that she would have to check if I was anatomically capable of having the piercing and that if I was, she recommended a 12 gauge SSS CBR.

The three of us went up to the piercing room (Passage allows you to bring in friends, partners etc., as for some, this is necessary to maximize their piecing experience. I have great respect for their policies!). We sat down and she went over the aftercare and general information regarding the Triange piercing.

It was then time for me to remove my jeans and underwear and hop up on the bed-type thing and show my stuff. I wasn't self-conscious at all, and a sort of warm calm came over me. As Tee decided if I was right for the piercing, my boyfriend stood beside me and held my hand. I was very relieved and excited when she said that she could do it.

She then cleaned the area, which felt a little cold, and then marked where she would pierce. She said there really wasn't much flexibility with where she could pierce so it was really a 'take it or leave it' situation. I took it!

Just before she went to pierce she asked if I preferred her to warn me just before by counting down. I said 'yes', as from past experience, it was what I was used to. So she counted "3-2-1..."...

Upon hearing the two I filled my lungs and on the sound of the one I felt the tip of the needle pierce my flesh and I let a loud-ish, very satisfying "OW." I found the sensation to be very unpleasnt (I always do with piercings... it's the thought of how wonderful it will be afterwards that keeps me strong), though thankfully, short-lived.

She slid the jewelry in which pinched a little, and then held up a mirror so I could see the finished product. I was very happy with it and my boyfriend was too.

I then got off the table-thing and got dressed.

Beforehand I had worn a pad in my underwear just in case there was any bleeding after, but it proved not to be necessary. We then went back to the reception area (pain-free, I might add!) to pay. To be honest, I can't remember how much it cost, but it was expensive. However, considering the skill it takes to perform this particular piercing, as well as the large size of jewelry necessary, I had no problem with the cost. I also worked in a tip and the two of us left.

I thought it best if I take it easy for the rest of the day so my boyfriend and I rented a couple of movies and ordered in some Thai food.

I followed Tee's aftercare instruction very carefully, and although the cleaning for the first two weeks would sting quite a lot, I just had to grin and bear it. I had no bleeding whatsoever during and after the piercing.

Several months later it's fully healed and the sensation when the ring is touched is just heavenly.

I've very glad I got this piercing, and I'm also very proud of myself for being able to do it. The whole experience has been a great one, and I would definitely recommend Passage, particularly Tee, to anyone who is after a pleasantly memorable piercing experience. Tee has a wonderful, calming nature, which is a blessing in times of anxiety. She is also a very responsible piercer and has always told me ALL the facts, good and bad, about a piercing BEFORE she performs it.

Regarding my whole experience, I wouldn't change a thing.