Boy inspires 'mean lookin' guys to flock to Sugar Land for My Little Pony tattoos

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A Sugar Land tattoo artist is offering discount "My Little Pony" tattoos after an 11-year-old was bullied so badly for liking them that he tried to hang himself.

News of Michael Morones' suicide attempt in North Carolina last month quickly spread around the world. His mother appeared on TV to say he had told her he couldn't take the bullying anymore.

Tiffany Morones-Suttle told ABC her son had said, "Mum, I'm tired of people being mean to me, I'm tired of people calling me gay, I'm tired of people telling me I'm ugly, that I'm stupid."

Now Imperial Tattoo in Sugar Land is pledging its support by offering $20 My Little Pony tattoos to raise money for Michael. They say they have been overwhelmed.

"We've done 25-30 of them since last week and more are booked this week," said store owner Tony Wayne. "They're regular guys, tattooed mean lookin' guys."

Wayne says as soon as he saw Michael Morones' story, he knew he had to help.

"Tattoos are about freedom of expression. Michael should have been free to like My Little Pony if he wanted to," Wayne said. "I knew other kids would be being bullied and this was the only way I could think to help."

Christy Van Kannon, 34, from Katy got a blue My Little Pony with a red mohawk on the inside of her left arm. She said she felt compelled to do it because one of her 12 year old daughter's school friends also committed suicide because of bullying.

"I have three kids," said Van Kannon, "For me this was an incredible opportunity to show people how important it is to stop bullying, We have to stand up for others that cant stand up for themselves"

Michael Morones is still hospitalized in critical condition. Dctors say he may have suffered permanent brain damage. An online fund to support his recovery has already raised more than $68,000.

Wayne said the money from his store's tattoos will go in part to the recovery fund and also to the anti-bullying group Stomp out Bullying. He said Michael Morones' stepfather has called him to say thank you for the support.

The appeal of My Little Pony has reached cult status, with the show typically marketed toward girls, but growing a huge male fan base across the globe.

"Bronies," as they are known, hold conventions and meet-ups in the United States and around the world.

Tony Wayne was unaware of the market he might be tapping into.

"I didn't even realize this was going on, but things should not be gender specific. I'm getting (a My Little Pony Tattoo) myself now. You don't have to be a girl to like My Little Pony," Wayne said.