15 Best LGBTQ+ Tattoo Artists to Design Your Next Work

Tattooing is an intimate process that requires trust, which is why many in the LGBTQ community prefer to associate with artists who specialize in working with queer people. As queer people, some of us have experienced cultural and interpersonal traumas; trauma that often accumulates in all of our bodies or can revolve around our bodies, making the tattooing process more vulnerable and difficult at times.

Thankfully, queer-friendly tattoo spaces are on the rise thanks to a close-knit community of LGBTQ+ artists focused on consent culture, body positivity, and concepts like radical endearment.

While the ancient roots of tattoos go back to the heritage of black and brown indigenous cultures, the Western landscape of tattoos remains predominantly white, male, cisgender and heterosexual; historically leaving little room for gender non-conforming artists and clients, as well as people of color, women, and members of the gay, lesbian, and transgender community. Thankfully, thanks to the strong network of support built by queer tattoo artists and the necessary creation of LGBTQ-owned spaces, many artists and clients who might otherwise avoid tattooing can now approach stores feeling comfortable and understood.

While there are a large number of non-queer tattoo parlors working to create an atmosphere of inclusivity, many queer people feel uncomfortable when immersed in the hyper-masculine and sometimes aggressive culture of some street shops. These uncomfortable experiences have prompted LGBTQ studios to focus on atmospheres that do not appear threatening or calm, with artists emphasizing consent and bodily respect as well as personal warmth.

For some, the general feeling of weirdness alone can turn what once seemed like a daunting process into a cozy and safe experience to remember. So, if you're thinking about an LGBTQ themed tattoo or looking for a talented queer artist near you, come explore with us as we feature our top picks for the best LGBTQ tattoo artists around the world!

Top LGBTQ+ Tattoo Artists in the USA

Galen Bryce: Brooklyn, New York

Working on the trendy Fleur Noire tattoo in Williamsburg, Galen Bryce made a splash as one of New York's most talented queer tattoo artists. Specializing in tattoos that show perverse pride, celebrate sexual identity and endorse body positivity, Galen's work has long resonated with LGBTQ+ people interested in their signature style. Combining elements of manga, dark art and erotica, Galen's artful tattoos push gender norms aside, revealing a queer positive world steeped in sex appeal and rich in pride.

Read More - ORIGIN: The Illustrative Magic of Galen Bryce

Rio Juniper Wolf: Denver, Colorado

Rio Juniper Wolf creates warm and whimsical traditional tattoos filled with surreal accents and filled with youthful energy. When they're not creating Riot GRRL knuckles, flaming church portraits, or adorable fairy bunny mashups, Rio is focusing on activism, working to raise money for transpositive organizations like the Shadow Support Network. Welcoming all skin tones, body types and gender identities, Rio Juniper Wolf prides itself on creating a tattoo space that feels inclusive, conscious and safe.

Rick Shenk: Dallas, Texas

Black and gray leather daddies, big boys in bondage, and stunning recreations of Tom from Finland fill the enticing world of queer tattoo artist Rick Schenck. Tattooing since 2013, Rick loves to create all black pieces in Chicano, black and gray realism and Fineline styles. Comfortable working with a variety of skin tones and bodies, Rick's elegant work complements the wearer with impeccable attention to detail and exquisite placement.

More - Lines Crispy, Whips Spicy: Interview with Rick Shenk

Hold DeFiore: New Orleans, Louisiana

When it comes to black and gray nerdy tattoos, you'd be hard pressed to find an artist as talented as New Orleans queer tattoo artist Tyne DeFiore. Focusing on emotional and unusual motifs such as thorns, palm leaves and cut braids, Tine creates an elegant world filled with feelings of sadness, beauty, evolution and healing. Working from a new studio owned by partner and tattoo artist Jamie Draven, Tine is creating a welcoming space where people of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community can comfortably get tattooed.

Top LGBTQ+ Tattoo Artists in Canada

RAT666TAT: Toronto, ON

Renowned queer tattoo artist and owner of Toronto's Outcast Club tattoo parlor Lee (also known by his pseudonym RAT666TAT) is a non-binary tattoo artist dedicated to creating safe spaces for the POC and the LGBTQ+ community. Known for his broken chain link motifs, ethereal Blackwork cherubs and colorful single-needle creations, Lee is a highly sought after tattoo artist by many queer collectors in the Toronto area.

Back Kramer: Victoria, British Columbia

Whimsical traditional Jerry Kramer tattoos, botanical blackwork patterns and surreal mushroom ladies create their own carefree and magical world. Tattooing since 1997, Jeri has become an inspiration in the trans community, candidly documenting her journey on Instagram and sharing her thoughts and advice with her followers. If you live near Victoria and are looking for a talented transgender artist, Jeri Kramer is a great choice.

Ciara Havishya: Calgary, AB

If you're intrigued by decorative blackwork, ancient Indian art, and ornamental tattoos, Ciara Havishya from Calgary is a queer tattoo artist you're sure to love. Whether it's traditional Traiva tattoos, Fineline floral pectorals or adorable tiger portraits, Ciara brings an unparalleled level of respect, care and authenticity to every design.

Read more - The Passion Behind Pride: An Interview with QPOCTTT Ciara Havishya

Charlene Battle: Montreal, QC

The colorful, surreal tattoos of Charlene Bataille, who has been described as a self-proclaimed, Montreal-based queer artist, have made a splash in the LGBTQ+ community. Designs that celebrate female empowerment, radical self-acceptance and bizarre sexuality are hallmarks of Charlene's work. Seeking to break gender norms, support sex workers, and normalize self-love, Charlene's colorful tattoos look like powerful emblems of solidarity and self-acceptance.

Read more - Don't Twitch, Don't Hurt: An Interview with Tattoo Artist Charlene Bataille

Mr Lauder: Vancouver, British Columbia

Working in a contemporary and illustrative style, queer and non-binary tattoo artist Mr. Lauder creates exquisite yet edgy designs depicting male erotica, gay icons and personal symbols of power. Looking for an LGBTQ themed tattoo but don't know what you want? Mr. Lauder offers a wide range of customizable flash videos focusing on homoeroticism, drag culture and female protagonists. For people of color and members of Vancouver's LGBTQ+ community, Mr. Lauder offers a safe and inviting space for self-expression and ongoing art.

Read more - Leather Barbies and Beefcakes: An Interview with Mr. Lauder

Top LGBTQ+ Tattoo Artists in Europe

Mab Dark Matter: Brussels, British Columbia

Known for her emotional and hypnotic lineworks, self-taught queer tattoo artist Mab Mathière Noir is changing the modern tattoo landscape with her bold single needle designs. Rich in elements reminiscent of traditional Asian art and expressionism, Mab creates queer-positive tattoos designed to be worn as fine art. Dedicated to creating a space of radical tenderness, Mab believes that trust and convenience are paramount to queer tattoos.

Read more - Radical tenderness: Interview with tattoo artist Mab Mathière Noir

Sarah Pink Hart: Barcelona, ​​Spain

Queer tattoo artist Sara Rosa Corazon is well known for her sleek black and gray tattoos filled with scorpions, chains, surreal eyes and spiderwebs. If you love Chicano women's heads, butterflies and barbed wire, you're in luck, as Sarah is a master at these and other motifs. Interested in a full color tattoo? Explore Sarah's illustrative botanical and apothecary pieces with Art Nouveau accents and nostalgic muted tones.

Ant Senior: London, Great Britain

If tattoo magic and skin rituals are alluring, Ant the Elder's esoteric Blackwork tattoos are sure to win your heart. Engraved medieval creatures, powerful symbols and illustrative botanical figures are all focal points of Ant's captivating style. For queer folks in the London area, non-binary tattoo artist Ant provides a safe and inclusive space for lovers of medieval occult tattoos, renaissance architecture and print-style deities.

Read more - Sanctuary of Skin Rituals: An Interview with Ant Sr.

Kathy McPain: Paris, France

Colorful lines, innocent and vibrant illustrations, and motifs that speak of growth and healing are all hallmarks of Katie McPain's signature warm style. As a black, queer, and non-binary tattoo artist, Kathy is sensitive to the unique needs of these intersecting communities, creating tattoos with a transformational quality, embracing diversity, and creating an environment of acceptance.

Read more – A Safe Space for All: An Interview with Tattoo Artist Kathy McPain

Be Rivera: Barcelona, ​​Spain

Celebrity queer tattoo artist Uwe Rivera, based in Barcelona and London, offers impressive blackworks, sexy illustrative designs and emotional Fineline images. Excited about BDSM, Shibari or Erotica? Elegant and seductive, Uwe's tattoos exude sensuality and kink, creating sophisticated queer-positive pieces.

Read more — Bold and Blood: Interview with tattoo artist Uwe

Top LGBTQ Tattoo Artists in Australia

Zero scar: Melbourne, Victoria

Transpositive quotes, buffs and sexy leather daddies, as well as adorable tattoos in a traditional style are all part of Zero Scar's cheerful and romantic work. Interested in old school wildlife tattoos? The Zeros are also revered for their bright and bold exotic birds, black insects and neo-traditional lizard portraits.

We hope you enjoyed this list of the best LGBTQIA+ artists and that this article will help you on your tattoo journey!