Tarot deck from queer indie illustrator appears on BBC show

15 Mar

Queer Tarot deck illustrated by a illustrator Klaus Piechocki appeared on season 3 of BBC show Boarders.

The Hierophanies Tarot, was created aand self published in early 2025 after a successful Kickstarter campaign. The deck, which was recently shortlisted for the Madame F x Queer Britain Art Award, is 81 card LGBTQIA+ inclusive deck designed and illustrated by Klaus Piechocki.

The deck appears in Season 3 episode 5 of BBC show Boarders. The show, now in its final season, follows five talented black inner-city teens transported to an alien world – an elite British boarding school – after gaining scholarships to the prestigious St. Gilbert’s:

Now they’ve made it to the final term, exams are looming and the pressure is on. They’ve set their sights on big futures - but new dramas are erupting everywhere. A shocking school rivalry brings violence, love triangles and shattered friendships. Can the scholarship kids conquer the madness to come out on top?

Character Leah is trying to focus on school work this term, but her friends Mabel and Devonyé are intent on reading her tarot cards to help her decide on her next steps. The two cards that come out in Leah’s reading are the Knight of Blades (traditionally the Knight of Swords), and the Knight of Vessels (traditionally the Knight of Cups), that seemingly represent Leah’s two love interests.

Interestingly, the last card that is pulled is The Lovers Card, which many people think is a card that means true love, but it’s an excellent card for Leah in this moment as it more often means that someone has a choice to make! I’d argue that the Knight of Blades could also be interpreted as representing Leah herself- her being focused on her studies, and choosing in that moment between her studies and potential love (Knight of Cups).

Klaus, the illustrator of the deck, was approached on Etsy by a production buyer for the show who was looking for a diverse tarot deck that was inclusive of people of different ethnicities, genders, sexualities and body types.

“I worked as a production designer in my early career, so I know things can change fast depending on production needs,” Klaus said. “So although I was thrilled that they confirmed my deck would be used, I was still waiting to see what would happen in the show. It was fantastic to see my deck on screen and in such a fun plot line. Leah’s one of my favourite characters on the show, and I like to think I’ve had a hand in her fate.”

You can watch all seasons of Boarders on BBC iPlayer here.

You can get your own copy of the deck directly from Klaus on his website shop here, or have a look for a stockist near you.