Queer and Trans-Friendly Tattoo Artists in NYC: Inclusive & Safe Studios
So I’ve been tattooing in NYC for years now and one thing that keeps coming up is how hard it can be to find LGBTQ+ inclusive, queer and trans-friendly tattoo shops in NYC where folks actually feel comfortable. Like yeah NYC is supposed to be super diverse but honestly not all tattoo shops get it right.
I wanted to drop some real knowledge about finding queer and trans-friendly tattoo artists in the city because everyone deserves to have an amazing tattoo experience.
Why Does This Even Matter Though?
Getting tattooed is super personal right? You’re letting someone touch your body for hours. And if you’re queer or trans, having an artist who actually respects your pronouns and understands your identity isn’t just nice, it’s essential.
For a lot of trans and non-binary people, tattoos aren’t just cool art, they can be part of reclaiming your body and feeling more at home in your skin. You need an artist who gets this and doesn’t make it weird or uncomfortable.
Plus when artists themselves are part of the LGBTQ+ community or true allies it just creates this whole different vibe. There’s this shared understanding that makes everything feel so much more chill and affirming.
How To Actually Find These Places
There are so many tattoo shops in NYC but they are definitely not all created equal. Here’s how to spot the good ones:
Check Their Online Presence
Look for shops that straight up say they’re queer-friendly or trans-friendly. If it’s on their website or all over their Instagram that’s a good sign they actually care and aren’t just trying to check some diversity box.
Look at their Google Business listing too. Do they mention pronouns? Safe space policies? Do they post about Pride or support queer causes? These are all good indicators.
Read What Real People Say
Reviews don’t lie. Look for comments mentioning “queer tattoo artist NYC” or people talking about having awesome inclusive experiences.
Check out local Facebook groups and subreddits too. The queer community in NYC is tight and word spreads fast about which shops are actually safe versus just saying they are.
Check Out Their Team
Look at their artists and staff. Do they have openly queer, trans, or non-binary folks working there? Shops with diverse teams are usually way more likely to create genuinely inclusive spaces.
Most good shops in Bushwick or the Lower East Side will have staff pages that show off their team’s diversity. This isn’t just about checking boxes, it’s about creating environments where everyone feels represented.
Pronoun Respect
This is huge. If an artist or shop lists pronouns in their bios or asks for yours when booking that’s a massive green flag. It shows they understand this basic level of respect that’s so important.
What To Expect When You Find A Good Shop
When you actually find one of these awesome inclusive spots, here’s what the experience should be like:
Real Communication
Expect your artist to actually talk to you. They should ask about your comfort level, your pronouns, and whether you need any specific accommodations. And you should feel comfortable asking questions too! A good artist will never make you feel dumb for asking stuff.
They Respect Your Boundaries
Whether you need a more private setup or want a friend with you during the session, good artists will try to make it work. If you’re getting tattooed somewhere sensitive they’ll be professional and make sure you’re comfortable the whole time.
They Get Your Vision
If your tattoo has meaning related to your identity or transition, a queer-friendly artist will actually understand and connect with that. They might even have suggestions that make your concept even better.
Money Talk
NYC tattoo pricing is all over the place so here’s what to know:
Most artists charge between $150–$300 per hour but some places do flat rates for certain designs.
If you’re looking for walk-ins, call ahead. Even queer-friendly spots have different policies about when they take walk-ins.
Popular artists can be booked out for months especially the ones known for being super trans-friendly. If you want someone specific plan ahead.
Community Vibes
One of the coolest things about queer-friendly tattoo shops is how they connect with the community. Many host special events or flash days where proceeds go to LGBTQ+ organizations.
These events are amazing ways to meet artists in a chill setting and the energy is always incredible. Keep an eye on Instagram for announcements about special Pride events or Queer & Trans Tattoo Flash Days.
Final Thoughts
Getting tattooed should make you feel empowered and seen especially if you’re part of the queer and trans community. With a bit of research and by checking for those clear signs of inclusivity, you can find artists who’ll respect your journey and create art that feels truly yours.
Our shop on the Lower East Side is proud to be a space where everyone’s identity is celebrated. Our team includes artists from across the LGBTQ+ spectrum who understand that getting tattooed is about more than just the art, it’s about feeling comfortable in your own skin.
Drop by anytime to chat with our artists or check out our Instagram to see our work. We can’t wait to help bring your tattoo vision to life in a space where you can truly be yourself.