Queer Tarot & Inclusive Decks: How Diverse Imagery Is Reshaping Modern Readings

Queer Tarot & Inclusive Decks: How Diverse Imagery Is Reshaping Modern Readings

Tarot decks are getting a fabulous glow-up in 2025: publishers and indie artists alike are flooding card tables with LGBTQIA+-affirming imagery, multiple Lovers cards, and guidebooks that ditch rigid gender roles. Sales of inclusive decks such as Queer Tarot, Pride Tarot, and Next World Tarot are spiking, while TikTok’s #QueerTarot hashtag racks up millions of views. Industry watchers credit Gen‑Z’s appetite for identity‑positive spirituality and a post‑pandemic hunger for personal meaning. This post dives into why representation matters, which decks are leading the conversation, and how to choose (or recommend) an inclusive companion for your next reading.

Tarot’s 2025 Inclusive Wave

From Monochrome to Multiverse

Classic Rider–Waite–Smith art—drawn in 1909—rarely reflects today’s readers. Modern creators now center queer couples, varied body types, and multicultural symbolism, letting every querent feel seen. Bright, bold decks like Queer Tarot radiate neon pride, while Pride Tarot brings together 45 artists so each card tells a unique story. Cristy C. Road’s Next World Tarot weaves anti‑colonial protest scenes into every suit, proving card art can double as social commentary.

Why Representation Matters

  • Mirror effect – People open up when they literally see themselves in the spread, boosting intuitive confidence.
  • Language upgrade – Inclusive decks often rename court cards (think “Ruler” instead of “King”) to strip patriarchal baggage.
  • Community healing – Projects like Black Queer Tarot reclaim spiritual tools for marginalized groups, pairing divination with activism.

Decks Leading the Conversation

Pocket editions of Next World and Star Spinner are perfect for café readings; full‑size cards show off artwork better for content shoots.

Social & Pop‑Culture Momentum

TikTok creators regularly post three‑card “energy checks” under #QueerTarot, unboxing the latest indie releases and sliding discount codes into captions. A single viral video can sell out a first print run overnight—proof that community vibes translate into real‑world demand.

Crowdfunded projects are booming too. Decks like Star Crossed: A Queer Tarot and Hierophanies Tarot smashed funding goals within days, driven by fans eager to back identity‑affirming art.

Fashion hasn’t missed the memo—Dior’s Resort collection borrowed Motherpeace iconography, sending the circular Death card swirling down the runway and sparking think‑pieces on feminist mysticism in couture.

Choosing the Right Inclusive Deck

  • Feel first, study later – Scroll sample cards and notice which ones spark a visceral “omg yes” reaction.
  • Read the guidebook tone – Look for gender‑neutral language and trauma‑informed interpretations.
  • Mind size & finish – Round decks riffle differently; matte finishes photograph better for social posts.
  • Support indie creators – Buying direct or backing Kickstarter funnels cash to queer and trans artists instead of big‑box distributors.
  • Test‑drive with a mini‑spread – Many makers post free printable spreads—pull a card online to see how the art lands.

Final Shuffle

Inclusive tarot isn’t a fleeting hashtag—it’s a structural rewrite that lets every seeker claim The Fool’s journey or The Empress’s abundance without erasing who they are. Stocking or recommending diverse decks signals your reading service welcomes all stories, and frankly, it makes every spread more vibrant.

Ready to see inclusive imagery in action? Pull a three‑card spread today and note which archetypes feel newly resonant—then share your insights with the community!

Riley

About Riley

7 years of experience

Non-binary reader (they/them) offering an inclusive approach to explore queer identity and authentic self-expression.

Focus areas: LGBTQ+ Identity, Authentic Expression, Chosen Family