Visibility and Community: Pride Stories from Our Tattoo Studio

June is Pride Month

A celebration of queer identity, resilience, and visibility. At Alchemy Tattoo Collective, this month provides an opportunity to reflect deeply on how queer experiences and identities enrich the art and community fostered in our studio. Our artists and support staff shared heartfelt reflections about what Pride and their identities mean to them, as well as how these elements shape their interactions and artistry.

Coyote Grace Hasner - Tattoo Artist

Grace tells us what makes her feel like she’s doing exactly what she is meant to do:

"I’d have to say it would be the moments when you see your clients roll their shoulders back and just breathe, and when these amazing people come in and are incredibly shy at first but 30 minutes in laugh so loud it echos throughout the whole shop."

Is there a small detail in your process that means more to you than people realize?

“When a client asks for a tissue to wipe away happy tears when finding not only a tattoo artist, but a shop that truly is an advocate and liberates them, means more to me than anything.”

Heidi Williams - Tattoo Artist

Heidi describes how trust is evident during sessions:

"I can tell when someone feels safe with me when they are willing to share their stories: the good,the bad,and the ugly."

“I am always so honored to have all walks of life in my chair, sharing their moments with me, and will forever strive keep a safe energy for our LGBTQIA family.”

Damon Hottes - Tattoo Artist

Damon reflects on what visibility has meant to him,

"It’s a bit different now, but growing up there wasn’t a lot of open LGBTQ+ role models. I grew up in a small sheltered town, where there were no older (at least openly) queer or transgender folks. It was hard growing up feeling so isolated, not to mention having no one to talk about LGBTQ+ struggles or the danger/risk that comes with being a minority. I remembered when I met my first senior queer/trans couple and it blew my mind. Before then I didn’t think we got to grow up and be old and happy."

“I know how complicated my relationship with my own body can be. Keeping that in mind, having my clients be comfortable with me and my tattooing process is very important to me. I especially love being able to help others bring more love and confidence to their own body’s through my craft.”

Vampy Nguyen - Support Staff

Vampy discussed authenticity and openness as essential components of his daily interactions.

What do you notice that tells you someone feels safe with you?

"no filter/no censorship haha I encourage people to be their full authentic selves around me. people shouldn't need to mask in safe surroundings."

What do you carry from your own life into the way you work now ?

“compassion >:3 dont be a shitty person. don't let people dampen your light because they can't make theirs glow/shine”

Chelsea Holloway - Owner & Tattoo Artist

As the owner, reflecting on visibility in our space, it’s clear that creating an inclusive environment enhances our connections.

“I tend to keep my identity as bisexual out of conversations. It feels easier, safer, and more comfortable for everyone. The fear of judgement that I’m “not gay enough” or that bisexuality exists as a way of attention seeking tends to keep me quiet about it. It sounds ridiculous, but for bisexual folks, it’s a reality.

The more I hear stories that make me feel accepted for who I am, the more I understand how powerful it is to be visible.

There are so many people like me who value privacy over being seen because it feels safe. Honestly, I’m still just as terrified of being seen, but I’m showing up anyway.

I don’t need approval to exist as I am. I deserve to take up space, and I want my friends to feel like they do too.”

Tattoos and Pride

Tattooing is deeply and intimately connected to our relationships with our own bodies. It’s no wonder a tattoo shop can feel like such a safe and affirming space. We get to reclaim parts of ourselves as beautiful, and shape them into what we envision for ourselves.

When an artist helps bring your creative expression into being and is safe and affirming at the same time, it can be truly transformative.

These reflections illustrate how Pride deeply resonates in everyday interactions at Alchemy Tattoo Collective, reinforcing our commitment to inclusivity, understanding, and affirmation.

We see you, and you are welcome here.