Take a queer desert road trip and get tattooed along the way

Arizona’s sprawling deserts, winding highways and towering mountains are home to a vibrant queer community making its mark across the state. From tattoo studios tucked into historic downtowns to hair salons and piercing shops along major freeways, LGBTQ+ artists are creating spaces of beauty, resilience and self-expression.

While metro Phoenix offers an abundance of LGBTQ+-owned businesses, many queer artists thrive in smaller towns and rural areas too, often creating inclusive hubs where few existed before. Whether you're looking for your next tattoo, a fresh hairstyle or a shimmering new piercing, Arizona’s queer creatives are ready to welcome you.

Lookout rounded up some standout LGBTQ+ artists and business owners who can be found along — and a little off — the state's well-traveled roads.

Fox Hall Tattoo

207 N. Fourth St. #2, Kingman

Starting in the heart of downtown Kingman, several miles east of the Arizona-Nevada border, Fox Hall Tattoo is a private studio specializing in neotraditional and Art Nouveau botanical and animal designs. Queer tattoo artist and shop owner Emily Halber began her career as a receptionist and apprentice at a studio in Flagstaff before moving to Kingman for love. She gained the confidence to open Fox Hall in 2023.

Initially concerned about relocating her largely queer and female clientele to a more politically conservative area, Halber found herself part of Kingman’s downtown revitalization alongside supportive business owners and neighbors. Although outspoken dissenters have made themselves known, Halber describes her experience living among rural "cowboys" as “big hat, no cattle,” with a resilient "love ethic" growing in the local community.

“It’s such a magical feeling to create art with hundreds of new friends every year and have the opportunity to learn from them — from moms and rocket scientists to teachers and exotic zookeepers,” Halber says. “Making art has always been part of my life, but connecting with others is a reason for living. Growing and learning because of my clients is my favorite part of my job.”

Zoology Ink

Inside Blue Heron Tattoo, 616 Miller Valley Road, Prescott
Inside Little Bird Ink, 6051 E. Hidden Valley Drive, Cave Creek

A couple of hours south of Kingman, queer artist Aubreigh Lynn — professionally known as Zoology Ink — works out of two studios: Blue Heron Ink in Prescott and Little Bird Ink in Cave Creek.

A former zookeeper, Lynn studied in Colorado before spending seven years caring for animals, all while pursuing art commissions online. After building a clientele, she launched Zoology Ink in 2023 and now travels across the country guest-spotting at tattoo shops. Specializing in flora and fauna designs, Lynn aims to create a safe, body-positive space for her clients.

“A queer person with a business in a small town is a rare species to find,” Lynn says. “Prescott is a growing college town, and we need more places like this to just be yourself and love who you are.”

Toro Luxury Studio

9824 W. Northern Ave., #116, Peoria

West of the Agua Fria Freeway in Peoria is Toro Luxury Studio, a queer- and women-owned private piercing studio focused on safe practices and inclusive care.

Owner and professional piercer Gianna Albanese, trained by a dental hygienist, emphasizes using only dental-grade and implant-grade titanium or gold jewelry. The studio offers a variety of piercings, including industrials, nose rings, paired piercings and tooth gems.

“Arizona isn’t the most LGBT-friendly state, so I take pride in creating a safe space for clients to express themselves however they desire,” Albanese says. “My goal is to give back to the community.”

Clients can book appointments through Toro’s website while Albanese works toward opening a storefront to expand accessibility.

Zach’s Rainbow Cult

16049 N. Arrowhead Fountains Center Drive, Peoria

Also in the West Valley is Zach’s Rainbow Cult, a queer-owned hair salon known for vibrant, gender-inclusive styles.

Offering more than 15 services and treatments, owner Zach Massart does not separate cuts by gender, reflecting a philosophy that hair expression shouldn’t be confined. Massart, who moved from Washington state in 2023, acknowledges that building a queer-centered business in Arizona has had challenges.

“There aren’t a lot of queer spaces in Arizona, especially in Peoria,” Massart says. “Finding clientele who matched my energy was, and still is, a struggle. But I feel empowered to provide a safe space for all people.”

Clients can book online or through social media. Zach’s Rainbow Cult also offers a “silent appointment” option for neurodivergent clients who prefer a quiet, low-stimulation environment.

Sublime Tattoo

943 W. Congress St., Tucson

At the base of Tucson’s “A” Mountain, Sublime Tattoo stands out as an all-femme, queer-run studio prioritizing safety, collaboration and creativity.

Queer tattoo artist Sophie McTear specializes in styles ranging from American traditional to folk and illustrative work. McTear said that while Arizona’s political climate poses challenges, the local queer community’s resilience continues to inspire them.

“I’m constantly inspired by the way we show up for each other — through art, mutual aid and just carving out spaces where we can be ourselves,” McTear says. “Tattooing has become a way for me to connect with people on a really human level, and I’m grateful to do that work in this context.”

Clients can book sessions with McTear through Sublime Tattoo’s website or by visiting the shop during their next trip to Tucson.