Your Guide to Trans-Friendly Tattoo Artists in New York City
Editor:
Olena Kosonogova
Author:
Olena Kosonogova
Olena Kosonogova (she/her), is PR Manager and a writer at Fiorry. Olena has a background as a psychologist and social work specialist, offering her a distinct viewpoint in her position. She effectively oversees public relations and produces insightful content. Based on her experience, she has a unique insight into human interaction and the significance of effective communication. When not busy with her profession, Olena loves her free time and balancing it out with tennis, taking her out and about, and a game of good chess that will challenge the mind.
Key Takeaways
Finding trans-friendly tattoo artists in New York isn’t only about getting a tattoo — it’s about feeling understood. In NYC, tattoos have long been a way to tell stories, claim identity, and turn personal moments into art. But for many trans and nonbinary clients, the real value comes from being in a safe space where their story matters.
The tattoo industry is changing fast. Across the city, from Brooklyn to the Lower East Side, artists are building studios that welcome everyone — no judgment, no pressure, just real people creating together.
And honestly, finding your person here feels a lot like using a TS dating app: when the vibe is right, you just know. The conversation flows, the comfort’s real, and you leave feeling more at home in your own skin.
This guide brings you ten inclusive studios in NYC — places where every line, color, and word is drawn with respect and care.
Why Inclusive Studios Matter for the Trans Community
An inclusive tattoo space isn’t just a nice idea — it’s something that can genuinely change how someone feels in their own skin. For many people in the trans community, getting a tattoo is more than art; it’s about being recognized and respected from the moment they walk in. When artists create affirming environments, they’re offering more than ink — they’re offering safety, trust, and a little piece of peace.
Tattoos can help people reconnect with their bodies after big changes or tough times. They can mark pride, recovery, or new beginnings. In these environments, genders aren’t assumptions — they’re personal truths that deserve to be heard. The most comfortable studios are the ones where pronouns aren’t questioned, boundaries are respected, and no one has to explain who they are.
Finding that kind of space can feel a lot like trying to meet TS people near me — it’s not about appearances, it’s about connection, empathy, and belonging. That’s what a real tattoo experience feels like when it’s done right.
“Looking for more affirming spaces and connection? Join Fiorry — the app where identity, creativity, and community meet.”
LGBTQ and Queer Visibility in NYC’s Tattoo Scene
New York has always been a city that gives people room to be themselves. In its tattoo world, that spirit shows up in a big way. The LGBTQ community has built a scene where queer tattoo artists don’t just make beautiful designs — they create spaces that feel warm, safe, and real. These places are filled with people who know what it means to be vulnerable and brave at the same time.
The folks behind the needle often see tattooing as more than just work. It’s connection. It’s storytelling. Their team culture is open, caring, and full of love for everyone who walks in. You don’t have to explain who you are; they already get it.
And honestly, it’s not that different from transgender dating in NYC: you’re just looking for someone who understands you without judgment. That’s what these artists do — they listen, they see you, and they help you carry that feeling on your skin.
Every piece they create adds another voice to the city’s bigger story — one about courage, color, and staying open in a world that needs more of it.
Haven Tattoo Studio (Brooklyn, NY)
Address: Brooklyn, NY — more details at haven-nyc.com
There’s something immediately calming about Haven Tattoo Studio. Hidden in the heart of Brooklyn, it’s the kind of studio that feels intentional — quiet music, soft light, and artists who actually pause to ask how you’re feeling before they even touch a pen.
Run by queer women, Haven was built on the idea that a tattoo appointment should feel safe, respectful, and unrushed. They work strictly by appointment, so every session gets full attention — no noise, no distractions, just you and the artist in an easy, open rhythm.
Everything about this place reflects care: the conversation, the art, the way they make clients feel seen. It’s an inclusive environment that treats tattooing not as a trend, but as a collaboration — something you both build together, one line at a time.
Cherry Bomb Studio
231 Eldridge Street, New York, NY 10002
If there’s such a thing as joy turned into ink, Cherry Bomb Studio is it. This queer-owned studio sits right in the Lower East Side and feels like a small celebration every time you walk in. The team keeps the atmosphere light and open — think bright walls, laughter, and music instead of buzz and rush.
They’re known for precise, delicate work and for treating every tattoo like a piece of jewelry. It’s also one of the few places in NYC offering tooth gems, a playful little detail that perfectly fits their creative energy.
What really makes Cherry Bomb special is the space itself — built on trust, kindness, and the idea that everyone deserves to feel good in their skin. And just like trans dating Philadelphia communities create belonging through connection, this studio does it through art, conversation, and care.
Fleur Noire Tattoo
Address: 439 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Some studios just feel right the moment you walk in — Fleur Noire Tattoo is one of them. This inclusive tattoo shop welcomes people of every background, and it shows in the calm, open energy that fills the room. The light’s soft, the art’s everywhere, and you get the sense that every detail here exists for a reason.
Their artists come from all over the world, bringing a mix of styles — fine lines, bold color, blackwork, florals — but what really connects them is care. They’re known for working skillfully with all skin tones, taking time to plan how a design will sit and heal on different bodies.
It’s not just about tattoos; it’s about being treated with respect while creating something personal. The vibe is easy, kind, and quietly confident — the sort of feeling you might find in meet tgirls in Boston circles, where community means belonging without question.
At Fleur Noire, art and empathy are part of the same language — and that’s what makes it one of the city’s most trusted creative homes.
Subversive Tattoo & Tarot
Address: 419 Graham Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211
There’s something quietly powerful about Subversive Tattoo & Tarot. Tucked into East Williamsburg, this queer- and woman-owned shop blends tattooing with tarot in a way that feels both grounding and a little bit magical.
The artists here specialize in deeply personal designs — pieces that respect all bodies and honor each person’s boundaries. The process starts slowly: a calm conversation, maybe a short tarot reading, a pause to figure out what feels right. It’s never rushed or routine; it’s a creative experience that makes you feel like part of the art itself.
Locals love the energy — cozy, kind, and full of quiet confidence. It’s one of those rare Brooklyn spaces that invites you to take your time, connect with your story, and leave carrying a little more of yourself than when you came in.
Kings Avenue Tattoo
Address: 188 Bowery, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10012
Right in the middle of downtown NYC, Kings Avenue Tattoo manages to balance experience with heart. It’s a shop that feels both established and alive — a space where artists still listen, ask questions, and treat every tattoo like a conversation, not a transaction.
Founded by Mike Rubendall, the team here is known for its technical skill and calm energy. They take their time, working closely with each client to make sure the process feels affirming from start to finish. Whether you want bold color, soft shading, or fine lines, they make it feel easy, personal, and genuinely respectful.
The environment itself is quiet confidence — no ego, no rush, just art and intention. It’s an experience that reminds you how much meaning one image can hold.
That quote could’ve been written for places like Kings Avenue — where tattooing becomes more than design, it becomes belonging.
West 4 Tattoo
Address: 163 W 4th St, New York, NY 10014
In the middle of Greenwich Village, one of NY’s most iconic queer neighborhoods, West 4 Tattoo has the kind of warmth that feels immediate. The studio is bright, laid-back, and filled with artists who care as much about your comfort as they do about their craft.
They mostly work by appointment, but it’s worth checking in — the shop often features custom flash and small pieces that reflect the creative pulse of the Village itself. Every tattoo here feels personal, not just polished.
What stands out most is the sense of community. There’s no ego, no rush — just genuine connection and respect. The atmosphere feels a lot like trans dating in Washington: different people, different stories, all finding the same comfort in being seen for who they are.
At West 4 Tattoo, that sense of belonging is inked right into the experience.
Majestic Tattoo NYC
Address: 360 1st Ave, New York, NY 10010
If you’re looking for a balance between artistry and warmth, Majestic Tattoo NYC delivers both. Located in the creative heart of NYC, this studio has built a loyal following for its thoughtful approach and strong sense of community.
The artist Adal Ray welcomes clients of all backgrounds for appointments. Each session starts with conversation — about design, placement, and comfort — so that no one feels rushed or overlooked. The atmosphere is quiet, respectful, and deeply personal, with an emphasis on trust and creative freedom.
The openness here mirrors what makes Atlanta transgender dating communities feel genuine: real connection, mutual respect, and space to be yourself. At Majestic Tattoo NYC, the art grows out of that same trust — line by line, story by story.
ThemBones Studio
Address: 99 9th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215
A queer trans-owned private studio in Brooklyn, ThemBones specializes in working with all bodies, skin tones, and orientations, creating a safe space for anyone looking to express themselves through tattoos. They focus on meaningful design and respectful consultation, giving every client time to share their vision and feel comfortable. The environment is calm and welcoming — a place where the breakout energy of modern art meets grounded kindness, the sort of space you’d hope for when you meet trans women in Chicago and find people who truly understand.
Victory Tattoo NYC
Address: 77 E 3rd St, New York, NY 10003
Right in the heart of the East Village, Victory Tattoo NYC feels like a place where stories and art naturally meet. The studio is sleek but warm, filled with quiet music, laughter, and artists who genuinely care about the people sitting in their chairs.
It’s an inclusive shop that values individuality over trends — a space where identities of all kinds are welcomed with ease and respect. Each session is about more than tattooing; it’s about creating something that feels honest and personal. Whether you’re coming in for your first tattoo or your tenth, there’s no rush, no judgment — just a comfortable rhythm that lets you enjoy the moment.
Every line on your skin can be a small act of self-acceptance — a way to say, ‘I’m here, and I belong
At Victory Tattoo NYC, that sentiment lives in every design — each piece a quiet reminder that you’re already enough.
Amenitee (Tiaret Mitchell) — New York, NY
Address: Not publicly listed — reach out via https://www.tiarettee.org/ to confirm location and availability.
Amenitee isn’t your typical tattoo studio — it’s a private, deeply personal space shaped by queer tattoo artist Tiaret, who works between NYC and Los Angeles. Her sessions feel more like quiet collaborations than appointments: slow conversations, thoughtful sketches, and tattoos that carry meaning far beyond the skin.
Tiaret’s work focuses on trans and nonbinary folks, helping them reconnect with their identity through art that feels both gentle and strong. Every piece tells a story — of growth, acceptance, or simply existing as yourself without apology.
She invites clients to find her through her site or social links, keeping each session private, calm, and intentional. It’s an approach built on trust — the same kind of openness you might look for in tinder trans dating, where connection grows from honesty and respect.
At Amenitee, that trust becomes art — and the result is as human as it gets.
How to Prepare and Care for Your Tattoo
Getting a tattoo isn’t just about picking a design — it’s about giving your body a new story. A little preparation can make the experience smoother and more enjoyable for both you and your artist.
Before your appointment, eat something filling, stay hydrated, and wear loose, soft clothes. Sleep well the night before — it helps your body relax and keeps your mind steady.
During the session, don’t be shy about talking through your boundaries. Share ideas, bring reference photos, and say something if you need a break. The best artists want you to feel comfortable and involved — it’s part of what makes tattooing such an honest, human exchange.
Afterward, follow your artist’s aftercare advice carefully. Keep the area clean, avoid sun exposure, and give it time to heal. Skin tones and bodies all heal differently, and that’s okay — patience is key.
If you’re still choosing where to go, find a place with good reviews and clients who mention respect, empathy, and awareness of genders. When a studio truly listens, it shows — not just in the art, but in how you feel long after you leave.
Art, Gender, and Community: What Connection Really Means
A tattoo can say everything words can’t. For many trans people, tattooing becomes a way to reclaim their bodies and express gender and identity in the most personal way possible. Through art and expression, confidence takes root — not as performance, but as truth.
The right community makes that possible. When a studio feels safe and affirmed, people open up, relax, and find strength in being seen exactly as they are. That’s what connection really means — being accepted without having to explain yourself first.
Finding that kind of space is a lot like searching how to find a trans woman near me online: you’re not just looking for someone — you’re looking for understanding, kindness, and shared humanity. The right studio gives you that in person.
Good tattooing is equal parts empathy, communication, and courage. It’s art, yes — but it’s also healing, belonging, and the start of something that stays with you.
“Connection goes beyond the tattoo chair. Join Fiorry to meet people who celebrate your story — on your skin and in your life.”
FAQ
1. How can I tell if a tattoo studio is trans-friendly?
Look for clear signs of inclusivity — gender-neutral language on their site, diverse artist teams, and policies that mention comfort and respect. Reading client reviews is also a great way to see how they treat people day to day.
2. Do I need to come out to my tattoo artist before an appointment?
Only if you want to. A good artist creates space for every person to feel safe, regardless of gender identity or expression. You never owe anyone your story — comfort comes first.
3. Are trans-friendly tattoo studios more expensive?
Not at all. Pricing usually depends on the artist’s experience, size, and complexity of the design — not on who you are.
4. How should I prepare for my first tattoo session?
Eat, hydrate, rest, and wear loose clothing. Bring references if you have a design in mind, and be ready to talk about your boundaries and comfort level with your artist.
5. Can I get a tattoo while on hormone therapy?
Yes — but it’s always best to check with your doctor if you have skin sensitivity or healing concerns. Most artists are experienced with a range of bodies and will adjust their process if needed.
6. What’s the best way to find inclusive artists outside NYC?
Try community platforms and verified directories, or search local LGBTQ+ forums. You can also connect through dating and community apps like Fiorry, which highlight trans-friendly and inclusive spaces across cities.
7. What should I do if I feel uncomfortable during a tattoo session?
Speak up right away. A professional studio will always respect your comfort and pause the session if needed. Your safety and sense of agency matter more than finishing a tattoo in one go.
Time to read: 14 min.
American actress
Angelina Jolie
I don’t think it’s abnormal that someone who spends their life in other skins wants to claim their own by marking things on it that matter to them