Tattoos have long been a form of self-expression, rebellion, and personal storytelling, but for trans people, they can hold an even deeper meaning. They’re not just art—they’re declarations of identity, acts of reclamation, and sometimes, even lifelines.
As we celebrate Trans Day of Visibility, we’re showcasing trans tattoos—ink that tells a story, affirms a transition, or simply makes someone feel more at home in their skin. Whether it’s a tiny symbol hidden away or a full-body piece that transforms scars into masterpieces, tattoos are a powerful way for trans people to take control of their own narratives.
A Brief Queer History of Tattoos
Queer people have been drawn to tattoos for a long time. Historically, tattoos have been associated with outsiders—sailors, punks, prisoners, and rebels. And for much of history, being queer meant being an outsider, too. It’s no surprise, then, that LGBTQ+ people found power in ink.
In the 1970s and ‘80s, tattoos became a badge of identity in many queer subcultures. The leather and BDSM communities, which had deep ties to gay and trans people, embraced tattoos as symbols of pride and belonging. Jim Ward, a gay man and body modification pioneer, helped popularize piercings and tattoos in queer spaces, shaping an entire movement.
But for trans people specifically, tattoos go beyond just signaling identity—they can be an essential part of affirming it.
Tattoos as Gender Affirmation
For many trans folks, getting tattooed isn’t just about decoration or even the artwork itself. It’s about making our bodies feel like home. Tattoos can be a form of gender-affirming care in their own right. Some people use tattoos to emphasize parts of their bodies that feel right, drawing attention away from areas that cause them dysphoria.
Others use ink to celebrate their transitions, marking milestones like coming out, starting hormones, or getting surgery. For some, the process of being tattooed is just as meaningful as the design itself. The pain of the needle can serve as a ritual of transformation, a moment to reclaim the body after years of feeling disconnected from it.
Not all trans tattoos are about dysphoria, though. Many of us use ink to celebrate who we are. Here’s how tattoos have made some trans and non-binary folks in our Plume community feel visible and affirmed in a world that often tries to erase us:
A special thank you to all who shared their tattoo stories with us! If you have been inspired and want to start dabbling in the world of body ink (or if you’re already a pro and just need a fresh one), try searching “LGBTQ tattoo shops near me” to find a safe place to explore the art of tattoos for yourself.
