Queer ink runs deep at this tattoo studio in Juhu, and a thriving space for the community

(Left) Founder Letitia Mendes tattoos a client; the parlour also conducts open mic events and bad-art nights. PICs/SAYYED SAMEER ABEDI

After getting her first tattoo at 18, Letitia Mendes went right back into the studio after a week, dead set on making this their career. Now 27, Mendes is the founder of one of the country's few queer-owned tattoo studios, PulsatInk. Situated in the bustling lanes of Janki Kutir, Juhu, its mission is to create a safe space for people of all identities, as well as a community for open-minded and creative people.

The studio is "pro-identity", which for Mendes means, "Whatever you identify as, we stand by it, no matter what. We never question who you are, we help you answer it with Ink." they add, "I am a non-binary person. Self-expression is a huge part of who I am, and that's what my brand stands for as well."

This goes beyond just tattooing; the space is known for its open mics, bad-art nights, jam sessions, neon fluid painting workshops, and the list keeps getting longer. Always keep an eye out, you might find yourself performing at their next open mic!

After learning how to tattoo at a studio in Bandra, Mendes started their own ink station at home in 2019. After much hunting for the perfect space, they finally set up PulsatInk in Juhu in 2024. PulsatInk, they tell us, is a wordplay on ink and the pulsating feeling you experience as you're about to embroider your skin forever.

"As a queer person, it's very difficult to find spaces where you can be yourself without people judging you, looking at you, or passing comments unnecessarily. I wanted to create a space where people feel safe getting a tattoo and, primarily, can be true to themselves. More than money, it's about community," says the Mendes.

Their clientele "all very open-minded and creative". "It's a lot of travellers and queer-identifying individuals, as well as straight people," says the artiste, "It's all about connecting with different types of people, getting to know about their interests and listening to their stories."

Letitia Mendes

One of their oldest clients was an 83-year-old man who got a Sanskrit word tattooed on his arm. "After talking to him further, we learnt that his son is also queer. It's refreshing to see older generations grow more accepting of such identities," Mendes says.

The moment you walk into the studio, you become a part of the Pulsatink family, with free consultations to help you pick a design, and even free touch-ups for life. The studio also offers frequent discounts to celebrate occasions. With Pride month going on right now, for instance, they are offering a "Pride Sheet", or Pride-themed designs at special rates.

During this month, they have also opened their space to anyone who'd like to host events alongside regular tattooing hours. "One of the main reasons why we host events and give heavy discounts is because accessibility is a big part of our mission. We want people to be proud of who they are and what they believe in."