Research Note: This post honors Pride Month by exploring the intersection of LGBTQ+ identity and tattooing. I write as an ally who has researched this history and observed the tattoo community’s embrace of Pride—sharing what I’ve learned about how ink has been used to express identity, build community, and mark belonging.
Tattoos and LGBTQ+ History
The relationship between tattooing and LGBTQ+ communities runs deep. Long before mainstream acceptance, tattoos served as coded symbols, markers of belonging, and proud declarations of identity.
Historical context:
- Secret symbols when open expression was dangerous
- Community markers for recognition
- Defiant declarations of identity
- Art as resistance and celebration
Historical Symbols
The Pink Triangle
Origin: Nazi concentration camps marked gay men with inverted pink triangles. After WWII, LGBTQ+ communities reclaimed this symbol—wearing it proudly as a memorial and statement of survival.
As a tattoo: The pink triangle remains a powerful choice, honoring those who suffered while affirming the community’s resilience.
The Lambda
History: The lowercase Greek letter lambda (λ) was adopted by the Gay Activists Alliance in 1970. It symbolized energy and movement.
Today: While less common than the rainbow, lambda tattoos carry historical significance for those who connect with that era of activism.
Double Symbols
Female (♀♀) and Male (♂♂) symbols: Interlocking gender symbols have represented lesbian and gay relationships respectively. These simple, recognizable designs translate well to tattoos.
The Labrys
Meaning: The double-headed axe (labrys) has been associated with lesbian identity and feminism, connecting to ancient goddess worship and Amazon mythology.
As a tattoo: A historically grounded symbol that carries specific meaning within lesbian communities.
The Rainbow and Its Evolution
The Original Pride Flag
Gilbert Baker’s creation (1978): The original eight-stripe rainbow flag included colors for:
- Hot pink (sex)
- Red (life)
- Orange (healing)
- Yellow (sunlight)
- Green (nature)
- Turquoise (magic/art)
- Blue (serenity)
- Violet (spirit)
Evolution: Production limitations led to the six-stripe version most recognize today.
Rainbow Tattoos
Approaches:
- Full flag representations
- Rainbow stripes in various compositions
- Rainbow incorporated into other imagery
- Subtle rainbow elements
- Abstract rainbow interpretations
The appeal: Universally recognized, joyful, and unambiguous in meaning.
Progress Pride Flag
Modern evolution: The Progress Pride flag adds black and brown stripes (recognizing BIPOC communities) and the trans flag colors (pink, white, light blue) in a chevron design.
As a tattoo: Represents more inclusive, intersectional Pride while maintaining rainbow joy.
Specific Community Symbols
Transgender
Trans flag colors: Light blue, pink, and white (designed by Monica Helms in 1999).
Trans tattoo themes:
- Flag colors in various designs
- Butterfly imagery (transformation)
- Phoenix symbolism
- Personal transition markers
Bisexual
Bi flag: Magenta, lavender, and blue represent attraction to same and different genders.
Bi visibility: Tattoos can affirm identity in a community that sometimes faces erasure.
Pansexual
Pan flag: Magenta, yellow, and cyan representing attraction regardless of gender.
Non-Binary
NB flag: Yellow, white, purple, and black representing gender outside the binary.
Asexual/Aromantic
Ace flag: Black, grey, white, and purple representing the asexual spectrum.
Additional Flags
The LGBTQ+ community includes many specific identities with their own flags and symbols—lesbian, intersex, agender, genderfluid, and more. Each offers tattoo possibilities for those who want to honor their specific identity.
Beyond Flags
Meaningful Imagery
Not everyone wants a flag tattoo. Other approaches:
Nature symbols:
- Flowers associated with LGBTQ+ history (violets, green carnations, lavender)
- Butterflies (transformation, becoming)
- Phoenix (rebirth, resilience)
- Wolves (pack, chosen family)
Cultural references:
- Literary quotes from LGBTQ+ authors
- Music references (icons and lyrics)
- Film and TV nods
- Historical figure tributes
Personal symbols:
- Coming out dates
- Meaningful locations
- Relationship commemorations
- Personal journey markers
Subtle vs. Visible
The choice:
Visible, obvious Pride: Some want tattoos that clearly declare identity—celebration, visibility, and unapologetic presence.
Subtle, personal meaning: Others prefer symbols that mean something specific to them but aren’t immediately recognizable as Pride imagery.
Both are valid: The right choice depends on individual circumstances, preferences, and what the tattoo means to the wearer.
Finding LGBTQ+-Friendly Artists
Why It Matters
Comfort and safety: Getting tattooed is intimate. Being with an artist who respects and affirms your identity matters.
Understanding: Artists familiar with Pride imagery may bring better insight to the work.
Community support: Supporting LGBTQ+ artists or allies keeps the community strong.
How to Find Them
Indicators:
- Pride imagery in their portfolio
- Clear statements of allyship or identity
- Shop policies on inclusivity
- Recommendations from LGBTQ+ friends
- Active Pride Month participation
Where to look:
- LGBTQ+ community recommendations
- Pride event vendor lists
- Social media presence and values
- Direct inquiry (most artists are happy to confirm safe spaces)
Questions to Consider
When researching artists:
- Does their portfolio show Pride work?
- Do they seem comfortable with LGBTQ+ clients?
- Is the shop environment welcoming?
- Do other LGBTQ+ folks recommend them?
The Tattoo Community and Pride
Industry Inclusion
Progress: The tattoo industry has increasingly embraced LGBTQ+ artists and clients. Many shops actively create welcoming environments.
Ongoing work: Like all industries, tattooing continues evolving toward greater inclusion.
Pride Month in Shops
Common practices:
- Pride flash events
- Charitable donations from Pride tattoos
- Special Pride designs
- Community celebration events
Participation: Many shops actively celebrate Pride Month, offering opportunities to get Pride tattoos while supporting causes.
Getting a Pride Tattoo
Design Considerations
Questions to ask yourself:
- What aspect of identity do you want to honor?
- How visible do you want it?
- Flag/symbol or something more personal?
- Color or black and grey?
- Size and placement?
Timing
Pride Month: Getting tattooed during June connects the experience to broader celebration.
Any time: Pride isn’t limited to June. Meaningful tattoos can happen whenever you’re ready.
First Tattoo Considerations
If this is your first tattoo:
- Start with a size/placement you’re comfortable with
- Consider visibility relative to your life circumstances
- Don’t feel pressured to go bigger than you’re ready for
- The meaning matters more than the size
Stories Through Ink
What Pride Tattoos Represent
For different people:
- Coming out milestones
- Survival and resilience
- Community belonging
- Memorial for those lost
- Celebration of love
- Political statement
- Personal reclamation
- Simple joy and pride
The Personal Journey
Many Pride tattoos mark:
- Coming out anniversaries
- First Pride attendance
- Marriage and partnership
- Overcoming struggles
- Finding community
- Becoming comfortable with identity
Respect and Allyship
For Allies
If you’re an ally considering Pride imagery:
- Consider supporting through other means
- If getting Pride tattoos, understand the weight of the symbols
- Support LGBTQ+ artists and causes
- Don’t appropriate symbols without connection
For Everyone
Remember:
- These symbols carry real history and meaning
- Getting Pride tattoos casually diminishes their significance
- Understanding the history honors the community
The Bottom Line
Pride tattoos connect personal identity to community history, celebration, and resilience. Whether subtle symbols or bold declarations, these tattoos mark belonging to something larger than oneself.
Key thoughts:
- Pride symbols carry deep historical meaning
- Find artists who create safe, affirming spaces
- Choose designs that resonate with your specific identity and journey
- Celebrate authentically, whether visibly or subtly
Happy Pride Month. May your ink—whatever it is—represent who you truly are.
Do you have Pride tattoos or are you considering them? What symbols or designs resonate with your identity? Share your stories in the comments—this month especially, let’s celebrate together.
Resources
History:
- Pride flag history and evolution
- LGBTQ+ symbol origins
- Community historical archives
Finding Artists:
- Community recommendations
- Pride event participation
- Inclusive shop policies
InkedWith celebrates all forms of meaningful ink. During Pride Month and always, we honor the tattoos that mark identity, survival, and celebration.
