A former SSPX priest embraces life as a gay man and tattoo artist

Francis Palmquist, a former priest with the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), has transitioned to a career as a tattoo artist and is living openly as a gay man. After leaving the Catholic priesthood and the traditionalist SSPX six years ago, the 37-year-old established a business called St. Francis Tattoo.

Palmquist uses a realism style for his work, which includes a self-applied tattoo of Our Lady of Sorrows. He noted that he relates more to the image of Mary experiencing sorrow at the cross than to depictions of a happy Mary.

During a two-year period, Palmquist used YouTube to discuss his faith and his identity. While his story has gained notoriety in some traditionalist circles, he has maintained a presence online that focuses on his tattooing craft and his clients. One former Latin Mass attendee, identified only as C., stated that Palmquist's ability to share his experiences without attacking the Church helped him become more authentic.