October 17th, 2026: 12pm-8pm

Un(Convention)al

Queer and Trans people deserve to have a comfortable and community based space to express themselves using body art. Un(convention)al is a Queer based tattoo convention in Cincinnati held during October. Without having to worry about judgement or nosy onlookers — folx are encouraged to embrace their vibrant and authentic selves.

“A tattoo is an affirmation: that this body is yours to have and to enjoy while you're here. Nobody else can control what you do with it.”

Don Ed Hardy

This event was sparked not from a direct experience, but a recognized privilege. Someone very dear to me expressed anxiety and discomfort approaching a tattoo session that would require their gender affirming surgery scars to be visible to the entire shop. Personally, this was not something I had ever needed to consider or face but it was eye opening in the ways that cis people exercise their privilege in truly every social setting. Brainstorming on how to cultivate an affirming space for people to decorate themselves without being a tattooer myself led me to design Un(convention)al. My hope for this event is to continue connecting Queer patrons with Queer businesses, and to generate environments wherein we are not only ‘accepted’ but encouraged to take up space and celebrated for doing it.

Have you ever felt the need to do a Google dive on a city before you travel to judge how safe you are being there? What about looked around before embracing or showing affection towards your partner in public? Let someone misgender or deadname you for the sake of avoiding any unwanted responses and/or violence?

Queer people deserve to have room to exist openly, loudly, and proudly the same way everyone else does. Ultimately, the large scale goal of Outer Spice Queer Collective is to provide affirming environments for our communities to exhale fully, and just enjoy themselves. From drag events, to crafts, to activities such as this one — I want to redesign every day events and gatherings to be as affirming and warm as possible.

This creation of spaces that offer a unique alignment between individual identity and community is my love letter back to everyone within the community who has held my heart with such care. We all know how it feels to look around and not see someone you can feel safe around, why not share the feeling of looking around and being safe with everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • In order to protect both the safety of the event and the licensure of all artists vending, I have partnered with the Cincinnati Health Department Environmental Waste Unit to gain permission for event operation after fulfilling documentation requirements and an in depth inspection.

  • Currently (as of June 2026) I am still recruiting and vetting the artists desired for the event! The venue allows for roughly 25 artists to have ample space for comfortable tattooing, an optimal client experience, and accessibility.

  • Due to the nature of this event as well as priority of safety and comfort, 150-175 guests are able to attend. This allows the artists to have ample opportunity to reach their community members, but also keeps the event small enough to monitor safely and enforce the comfort of the environment as a whole.

  • I’ll tell you exactly who isn’t. If you enforce or otherwise believe in any ideologies or forms of oppression that are:
    Ableist,
    Ageist,
    Audist,
    Classist,
    Biphobic,
    Homophobic,
    Islamophobic,
    Transphobic,
    Racist,
    Sexist,
    or otherwise oppressive to a community of folx     this space is not for you. You are not welcome, nor permitted on the property while it is being utilized and paid for by Outer Spice Queer Collective. Violation of these terms is grounds for removal from the venue and permanent ban from future events.

  • Yes! I’m so excited to also have tooth gems, piercings, and Awarewolf Apparel booths as well!

  • Thank you so much for your support and for your willingness to share your time with all of us! There is a $50 fee associated with vending at this event to cover the cost of single day event licensure from the Cincinnati Health Department Environmental Waste Unit, oherwise there are no additional costs in exchange for artists bringing their own equipment and supplies. The registration link can be found below!

    https://forms.gle/Y5BofFEdny8drmZm8

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