"The mural that upset a thousand TERFS." Lush Pride mural artist responds to calls for artwork to be removed
A Pride mural in a Lush shop window has sparked a wave of attention, with its creator highlighting its message of trans pride and visibility after some campaigners called for it to be removed.
The artwork, installed at the cosmetics chain’s Chelmsford store ahead of Essex Pride, features a tiger painted in the colours of the trans flag alongside the slogan “Proud of My Stripes”.
The animal’s markings are intended to resemble scars from gender‑affirming top surgery, a procedure undertaken by some trans people.
In response, artist Bucky Ringsell defended the mural in a post on Instagram, saying the reaction had been driven by transphobia.
Writing alongside the now‑viral image, Ringsell said: “For some bizarre reason, transphobic nutters have discovered my mural on Lush’s window and called for its removal.”
They added that the piece forms part of a wider Pride campaign across the city and was designed to celebrate trans people who have undergone top surgery.
“I designed and painted this tiger to support and represent trans folks who have undergone top surgery - myself included,” Ringsell said.
The artist explained that the imagery was intended to reframe scars as a source of pride, adding: “Being proud of your scars (aka stripes) is something everyone can take inspiration from, regardless of your journey.”
The post concluded with a message of affirmation: “Trans bodies are beautiful.”
The mural is one of several Pride displays appearing across Chelmsford in the run‑up to Essex Pride, but it has become a flashpoint in wider debates about trans visibility and representation.
Supporters have praised the artwork as a powerful celebration of trans identity.
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