The tattoo industry, as we typically think of it, seems like no place for queer people. Even with early pioneers like Cliff Raven and Phil Sparrow, it’s remained an overwhemingly heteronormative, patriarchal, and white field, a fact that was only confirmed by my search to find Chicago queer tattoo artists, especially folks of color, which yielded many a “nobody like that works at our shop, sorry!” But pockets of queer tattooers exist and seem to be growing, forming their own communities and reimagining industry standards, especially to cater to clients beyond those who are typically represented. Queer tattoo artists are around; you just have to know where to look.
Archer Avenue Tattoo is located on the south side in Brighton Park, and the clients are mostly people of color. According to Regalado, “Like in any workplace, you just have to find a shop or space that best fits you and makes you comfortable, one with like-minded people. There are so many different kinds of shops out there now that you’ll always find the right place where you’ll fit in. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with very down-to-earth guys, and Archer has always had a neighborhood and family vibe—more like annoying brothers that constantly mess with me.” It’s no wonder that she’s been tattooing there for ten years.
Outside of their regular appointments, however, is where buddy. truly shines. In order to combat the rampant cases of sexual assault on clients and artists in the tattoo industry, buddy. started a Facebook group called “off with their hands.” It serves as a platform for people around the world to call out offenders—particularly repeat offenders who get away with assault by relocating or abusing their industry clout.
Being a tattoo artist was always a dream for Iturralde, but the gatekeeping of the industry was made to exclude people like them. However, after they discovered handpoke tattoos on Instagram, Iturralde fell in love and started doing whatever they could to learn and practice by themself and in their community. It’s only been a year and a half, but it’s now their full-time job.
A printmaker by trade, Gabriel Chalfin-Piney is a queer, polyamorous, self-taught tattoo artist with a style all their own.
Chalfin-Piney says, “I really think there is space for queer folks in the industry. I think realizing that you can ask for help is the biggest step; I had to be patient when I started tattooing, taking time to learn all of the safety procedures and ways of tattooing, and I’m still learning.”
