As tolerance and respect for the LGBTQ community grows, simultaneously the topics of gay rights come into question. While being a part of the community has never been anything to be less than proud of, now more than ever we have found our loudest voice to date. With support at an all-time high, it’s clear to us why as things heat up this summer. As we start seeing more skin, gay tattoos are increasingly on our radar. Throughout notoriously homocentric cities like New York and Los Angeles, you frequently spot variations of both joyful and political pieces displayed on what seems like every other person. And when artistic expression becomes norm becomes cliché, patterns emerge. How do we know? The proof is in the ink…

Unicorn

This person has been a flaming homosexual since kindergarten. His parents weren’t surprised when he explained that his roommate, Timothy, with whom he inhabited a one-bedroom apartment with, was actually his boyfriend. He most likely came out in an expectedly dramatic way, but after 20 years of dance classes and countless women’s Hollister sweatshirts, “BECAUSE THEY’RE COMFORTABLE” his parents saw this coming. “…We know,” left their lips, and that’s where the conversation ended.

Nautical Star

Not exactly known for representing anything LGBTQ, this one has adorned many a hipbone over the years. This person was out one night and drunkenly perceived the passing of a tattoo shop as a sign to go inside. Generally, the decision to get this takes, on average, seven minutes.

Lady Gaga Anything
Bottom.

Pink Triangle

They know their history. Originating in Nazi concentration camps as a symbol of shame, it’s now worn as a decoration of pride.Or, when bringing up the persecution and torment of 100,000 people puts a damper on brunch, "It just looks cute!" is an acceptable explanation.

Equality Symbol

Mainstream, simple and to the point. They generally go to LGBTQ pride events and do more than drink in their underwear. Whether referencing the logo created by the Human Rights Campaign (although the T seems to be forgotten by you, HRC!) or emulating activist (yet debatably culture-appropriating) pop diva Miley Cyrus, this is amongst the most commonly seen designs.

Obviously, this list is based on speculation and anecdotal research – not every person with these tattoos wants to get the same thing across… except bottom. On average, there’s a 100 percent chance the Lady Gaga tattoo theory means bottom.

Sources: Mociarane, Buzzle, Missus-lesbian-2010 / Deviantart, QueerPig, lantztattoo / Instagram