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. Six years after leaving the Catholic priesthood and the traditionalist society, Palmquist operates a business called St. Francis Tattoo.

Palmquist uses a realism style for his work, which includes a tattoo of Our Lady of Sorrows on his own calf. 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 focus on his tattooing craft and his clients over the last four years. One follower, identified only as C., stated that Palmquist's vulnerability helped him become more authentic without attacking the Church.