Kelsey Turnis, a tattoo artist at Gray Goat Tattoo, brought together the local community in a powerful way to support transgender rights during a flash fundraiser tattoo event. Turnis, whose pink room at the tattoo studio was adorned with nostalgic pop culture figures like Betty Boop, Garfield, and Spongebob, is not just passionate about tattooing—she’s also deeply committed to giving back.
The fundraiser was sparked by the passing of Senate File 418, which removed protection from discrimination for transgender individuals in Iowa, leaving many feeling unsafe. Turnis, who has been tattooing for over a year, felt compelled to act after hearing the concerns of her clients. She saw an opportunity to use her art to support a cause that resonated deeply with her and her community.
“I wanted a way to bring the community together and create something that will last a lifetime while supporting a good cause,” Turnis said. Her flash sheet, featuring designs that ranged from scissors to Keith Haring-inspired art, was released on Instagram ahead of the event. She pledged that all proceeds from the tattoos would go to the Iowa Trans Mutual Aid Fund, a nonprofit organization providing grants to transgender, nonbinary, and genderqueer Iowans in need of gender-affirming care.
Since its inception in June 2021, the Iowa Trans Mutual Aid Fund has provided over $100,000 in aid, helping more than 200 individuals access vital services such as hormone replacement therapy, top and bottom surgeries, name changes, and even travel expenses for gender-affirming care. These services, which can cost anywhere from $15 to $25,000, are essential for many in the transgender community, and Turnis is proud to be part of raising funds for such a crucial cause.
The event was a huge success, with more than 20 people lined up outside before it even began. For many, the tattoos were more than just ink—they were an act of solidarity and support. Emma Elam, a client getting a Keith Haring tattoo, explained her connection to the artist. “Art is incredibly powerful, and he was one of the first artists to gain mainstream attention while being HIV positive and to really bring a voice and face to the cause in the ‘80s and early ‘90s,” Elam said.
The day was filled with energy, with other tattoo artists like Beth Gray, the owner of Gray Goat Tattoo, and Lexi Clemens, an apprentice and body piercer at the shop, also participating. Gray, who was already working on clients when the event began, highlighted the emotional power of art. “Art captivates all the feelings—happy, sad, desperate, hopeful. It can give people hope,” Gray said.
Tara McGovern, another client, expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to support the cause. “Trans people in Iowa are scared and under attack, and any opportunity to provide tangible support is beautiful and important,” McGovern said. “Art is an especially powerful way to do that.”
The flash fundraiser tattoo event was a testament to the collective power of community and art. For Turnis, it was an opportunity to support a cause she believes in while bringing people together through a shared love for self-expression and advocacy.
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