“Modern primitives” are a group of individuals that came to prominence in the modern body modification subculture in the late 1980s. “Body modification” as used in my research refers to alteration of the body that falls outside of the cultural norm; this includes, but is not limited to, piercing, tattooing, scarification, and various types of surgical modification when done within an underground subcultural setting. Modern primitives’ role in the progression of body modification as a subculture and industry is contested. My study examines the history of this movement within modern body modification, using a research methodology that includes a literature review of In the Flesh: The Cultural Politics of Body Modification by Victoria Pitts, Body Art: Body Modification as an Artistic Practice by Matthew Lodder, as well as publications from various body modification websites, books, and zines, such as the Body Modification Ezine. I also utilize documentaries and texts from prominent modern primitive figures, including Roland Loomis (also known as Fakir Musafar) and Jim Ward. I analyze the ways that the modern primitive movement has influenced Queer culture, SM/fetish culture, and the broader development of the modern body modification community and industry. I also evaluate criticisms of modern primitives, including the claim that they are culturally appropriative. I create a synthesis that recognizes the role of modern primitives in the development of modern body modification, while identifying other ideologies that focus on queer affirmation and ways to feel embodiment/validity through body modification. I aim to contribute a nuanced perspective to the existing literature on modern body modification, and challenge societal perceptions of body modification. I explore the way that gender is conceptualized, altered, and transformed through body modification, on both a personal and societal level.