Queer Tattoo Symbols and Their Meanings

Here’s a comprehensive list of tattoos commonly associated with the queer community and their meanings. These designs have served as symbols of identity, pride, solidarity, and resistance.

General LGBTQ+ Symbols

1. Rainbow Flag

   • Represents diversity and unity within the LGBTQ+ community.

   • Each color has a specific meaning (e.g., red for life, orange for healing, etc.).

2. Equality Sign (≠ or =)

   • Symbolizes equal rights for LGBTQ+ individuals.

3. Lambda (λ)

   • Originally a symbol of the Gay Activists Alliance in the 1970s.

   • Represents unity and resistance.

4. Triangular Tattoos

   • Pink Triangle: Reclaimed from its use in Nazi concentration camps to label gay men, now a symbol of pride and resilience.

   • Black Triangle: Represents lesbians and feminist resistance, also reclaimed from its oppressive origins.

5. Double Venus or Mars Signs (⚢/⚣)

   • Represents lesbian (double Venus) or gay male (double Mars) relationships.

6. Intertwined Gender Symbols

   • Often used to signify diverse gender and sexual identities.

Lesbian-Specific Symbols

7. Nautical Star

   • In the 1940s–1950s, some lesbians tattooed nautical stars on their wrists as a discreet symbol of their identity.

8. Labrys

   • A double-headed axe representing lesbian strength and empowerment.

   • Historically tied to matriarchal societies and adopted in the 1970s lesbian feminist movement.

9. Violets

   • Inspired by Sappho’s poetry, violets symbolize lesbian love and desire.

10. Lilies

    • Associated with the purity of lesbian love, often combined with other LGBTQ+ symbols.

Gay Male-Specific Symbols

11. Green Carnation

    • Associated with Oscar Wilde, a subtle nod to gay male culture in the 19th century.

12. Leather Pride Flag

    • Represents the leather and kink communities within gay culture.

    • Often incorporated into tattoo designs with hearts or stripes.

13. Bear Paw

    • Represents the bear subculture within the gay male community, symbolizing strength and ruggedness.

Bisexual Symbols

14. Pink, Purple, and Blue Triangle or Bands

    • Represents the bisexual pride flag and the spectrum of attraction.

15. Interlocking Triangles

    • Signifies the connection between male and female attraction.

Transgender Symbols

16. Blue, Pink, and White Bands

    • Represents the transgender pride flag.

17. Butterfly

    • Symbolizes transformation and the journey of self-discovery.

18. Intersex-Inclusive Transgender Symbol

    • Combines male (♂) and female (♀) symbols with an open circle to represent non-binary identities.

Queer Symbols

19. Prism

    • Represents the spectrum of sexuality and gender identities.

20. Starburst

    • Symbolizes individuality and the diversity within queer identities.

21. Spectrum Tattoos (Lines or Shapes)

    • Represents inclusivity and the fluidity of gender and sexuality.

Other Symbolic Imagery

22. Phoenix

    • Represents rebirth, resilience, and the overcoming of struggles often faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.

23. Anchor

    • Symbolizes safety, stability, and finding a safe harbor in queer communities.

24. Feathers

    • Represent freedom and breaking free from societal constraints.

25. Unicorn

    • A playful and whimsical symbol often associated with LGBTQ+ pride and uniqueness.

26. Cherries

    • Historically used within the gay community as a playful and flirtatious symbol.

Rebellious or Resistance Tattoos

27. Barbed Wire

    • Represents struggles and survival, often tied to overcoming discrimination or oppression.

28. Lightning Bolt

    • A nod to radical activism, representing power and change.

29. Flame

    • Symbolizes passion, activism, and resilience.

30. Broken Chains

    • Represents liberation and breaking free from societal norms.

Modern & Abstract Symbols

31. Geometric Shapes

    • Abstract designs with triangles, circles, and lines to represent inclusivity, balance, and connection.

32. Wave Patterns

    • Often symbolize fluidity and adaptability, reflecting the spectrum of identity.

33. Line Work Arrows

    • Arrows pointing in multiple directions symbolize the fluidity and intersectionality of identity.

Pop Culture-Inspired Designs

34. Babadook

    • Reclaimed as a queer icon and a playful nod to camp culture.

35. Rainbow Lightning from Harry Potter

    • Symbolizing individuality and queerness within a magical context.

36. Drag-Inspired Designs

    • Features inspired by drag queens (e.g., lashes, high heels, or wigs) as a celebration of queer artistry.