A Convo with Queer Tattoo Artist, Sam Walker
Since 1969, the month of June has had crucial importance to the LGBTQ+ community, both in the United States, and internationally. With the events that took place at the Stonewall Riots on June 28th of that year, the Gay Liberation Movement blossomed into the ultimate fight to let people love who they want, and be who they want to be. In June 1970, June 28th became known as Gay Pride Day, which allowed people to memorialize the LGBTQ+ lives that were lost during the Stonewall Riots, and protest for a better future for the community.
Over the decades, this special day for LGBTQ+ people grew into an entire month of celebration, remembrance, and acknowledgment, which we know now as Pride Month! All over the world, LGBTQ+ people and allies come together for parades, marches, memorials, and fundraising events to continue pushing for a better tomorrow for the community!
In celebration of Pride Month, we sat down with queer tattoo artist, Sam Walker (she/they), to get some insight on the beauty of the LGBTQ+ community in the tattoo industry, while also touching upon the difficulties artists and clients face. Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, Sam started her tattooing career at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sam is deeply influenced by the human form and human connection, along with queer identity! Currently, Sam tattoos at Everybody’s Tattoo Studio in Salt Lake City, with fellow badass artists!
For all the LGBTQ+ tattooers, tattoo enthusiasts, and beyond; we see you, we love you, and we support you all day, every day! Happy Pride Month!
Starting off with something fun, June is Pride Month! What gives you the most pride being an LGBTQ+ artist in the industry?
Sam: I definitely pride myself in how wonderful my clientele is, and how many beautiful queer folks I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. Providing a space that queer people feel comfortable in is such a magical experience. I’m proud of the space we have at Everybody’s Tattoo Studio and definitely feel that it’s a space where creativity and consent flourish.
When creating art, are there any subjects from LGBTQ+ culture that you are deeply inspired by, or often include in your work?
Sam: My work is neither feminine nor masculine and that’s something that I pride myself in. I want to make work that anyone can feel comfortable wearing. I’m inspired by queer experience and queer love. The tenderness and resilience of queer power is something that influences my artwork every day. I want my work to help people feel gender affirmed in their vessels, and to feel like home with my artwork.
At the time you began tattooing, what was the LGBTQ+ representation like in the industry and the city you were tattooing in? Did you feel welcomed and encouraged to label yourself as a queer artist?
Sam: I feel really lucky to have had some great tattooers in the area to look up to. Everybody’s was established before I started tattooing, and it was a huge inspiration for me to start my journey. Seeing a space that was curated for queer people is a really special thing. At first, I was worried to label myself in any way online as a [queer] tattooer, mostly because I didn’t think it was necessary. But I learned quickly that it IS necessary to be proud of your queerness online, as it’s something that brings other queer folks to you. It’s something that makes LGBTQ+ people feel comfortable sharing their pain and vulnerability with you.
During your career, was there ever an exact moment that pushed you to develop a proactive voice for LGBTQ+ people in the tattoo industry?
Sam: Unfortunately, I’ve heard so many horror stories from my clients about their experiences getting tattooed. Mostly female presenting or queer presenting people going into shops where the artists seem annoyed to work with them, are not respectful of boundaries, don’t listen to them when they want something changed, or even make sexual advances. Having so many clients who have been nervous to ever get another tattoo is such an eye opener. I prioritize my clients’ consent and comfort to prevent these experiences and to make them feel heard. Sometimes it seems like some tattoo artists forget that this isn’t just an art form, it’s someone trusting you to permanently alter their appearance and to see them in a vulnerable state.
“At first, I was worried to label myself in any way online as a [queer] tattooer, mostly because I didn’t think it was necessary. But I learned quickly that it IS necessary to be proud of your queerness online, as it’s something that brings other queer folks to you.”
On Instagram, most LGBTQ+ artists and studios label themselves as a safe-space for LGBTQ+ people. For those who might be unfamiliar, what does being a safe-space mean in regards to the tattoo industry? And how might the experience differ from artists or studios that do not focus on being a safe-space?
Sam: A safe space is just what it sounds like, it’s a space where people feel that their consent and voice is the priority. I think that not only queer people, but everyone should feel comfortable in your tattoo shop, and it’s important to offer things to make sure that can happen. For me, when someone submits an inquiry form to get tattooed, I ask vital questions so I can know what to provide them with. I ask if they have any boundaries or needs that need to be respected, such as privacy screens, stress balls/fidget toys/headphones, or needing to take breaks during their session. I also ask if they’d like an extroverted or introverted appointment. Another thing I offer to create a safe space for people is offering sliding scale pricing for BIPOC & disabled clients, as well as free color tests for BIPOC clients. Don’t just create a safe space for white neurotypical clients, create a safe space for everyone.
At this moment, there is still plenty of room for the tattoo industry to grow in terms of equality and acceptance for all. As an LGBTQ+ person, what do you think should change to help better the industry for LGBTQ+ people, both clients and artists alike?
Sam: I think that one of the best ways to grow and progress and alter your practices for the better, is to ask for feedback! I send out feedback forms to my clients to see what I did well, and what changes they would like to see [in order] to make it a better experience for them. Boundaries and needs are a two way street though. Artists, set your boundaries and communicate them clearly to your clients to ensure that you’re both feeling comfortable in your space. When I need to have a silent appointment, I’ve learned to communicate that in a kind manner and it’s always respected.
“Don’t just create a safe space for white neurotypical clients, create a safe space for everyone.”
Many tattoo artists out there are allies of the LGBTQ+ community, but do not identify as an LGBTQ+ person themselves. Do you have any recommendations for the tattoo artist allies out there that want to make their business and presence a more welcoming and understanding environment for LGBTQ+ people in the industry?
Sam: Asking for your clients pronouns is the bare minimum you can do to provide a welcoming space. I personally think that everyone should ask for their clients pronouns, for their boundaries/needs, and set a space on your platform for feedback. Ask your queer clients what they need from you! Ask your BIPOC clients what they need from you! Ask your neurodivergent clients what they need from you! Have discussions with your clients and fellow artists, and strive to constantly be changing for the better.
Before we let you go, is there anything else you’d like to add?
Sam: Tattooing is changing so rapidly in the age of social media, and I feel very lucky to have been able to connect with so many beautiful people online and in person. Being a self-taught tattooer is one of the things I pride myself in most and I wouldn’t be where I’m at without my queer clients, my queer family. Thank you for the constant love and support! Also, I want to thank my shop owner, Victoria and my shop mates Hiri, Mik, Hallie, and Logan for everything they’ve done for me in this journey. So much love for all of you!
Special thanks to Sam for taking the time to chat with us! If you want to keep in touch with Sam and her amazing work, check out her links below!
