russpie wrote:Oh dear, another one for the Derek Lever list of grievances. Where are the tattoos?
I am a tattooist, so I am naturally heavily tattooed.
Not that it should matter, but my tattoos are all over my body, visible tattoos are neck, palm of hand & a facial tattoo.
The thing is they have never even met me, I rang Derek Lever to enquire if I could email an application over, we had a brief conversation over the phone and he asked me what I do for a living, I told him I'm a tattooist, he then asked if I had tattoos, I said "I have" He went on to say "I don't like tattoos, however i suppose you're entitled to the same rights as anybody else" I wasn't quite sure what to say to that.
He then said "I have a feeling your tattoos will annoy some of the other members, but send your application & registration fee in and I'll ask the committee"
1 week later I got a rejection letter, so I emailed Derek asking his reasons, his reply was "Hi Ryan, your tattoos are the problem. sorry"
The ironic thing is, they meet at Salford Masonic hall and I am a freemason & have visited Salford Masonic on many an occasion.
kevmundo wrote:If someone doesn't want you as a member, don't join. As with many societies/clubs/members only groups, you will find they all have one thing in common - falling numbers. Most 'exclusive' clubs eventually exclude themselves out of existence. Moreover, don't put too much stock in clubs in any event. Forums can be just as useful and most have regular meets where people who share a common interest (magic) get together and exchange ideas, without giving a monkeys what anyone looks like. I've learnt more through magicians I've met through forums than anywhere else!
K
I totally agree Kevmundo, I certainly wouldn't want to part of his club now, I just thought it would be nice to surround myself with people who can help me grow as a magician as well as a performer.
I emailed The Magic Circle to ask what their take on magicians with tattoos is, this is their reply:
"Dear Ryan
The Magic Circle would certainly not refuse anyone because they have Tattoos! I know of no other magic club that would refuse you for that reason."
So going off that advice I will try my luck with the Order of the Magi (which I was a member of 21 yrs ago) If that fails then I guess its back to the drawing board!
Sorry for ranting
Ryan