In my first post, I talked about what queer joy means and feels like to me. In this post, I wanted to share some ways that I tap into queer joy.

Queer Community

One big way I feel queer joy is connecting to queer community, whether in-person or virtually. Sometimes I’ll reach out to a queer friend or connect in queer community online groups.

Other times, I’ll find cute queer couples on TikTok and lean into joy that way.

I also love going to Pride events and being surrounded by other queer people. And I can’t forget about the queer joy I feel at drag shows! 

Music

I love listening to music by queer artists. There’s something so validating to me to hear a woman sing about loving another woman. In fact, hearing “She Keeps Me Warm” by Mary Lambert on the radio in 2014 while my crush was in the car was one of the turning points in realizing I did have a crush on her!

I also loved going to a Maddie Zahm concert and scream singing along with others allll the queer lyrics. There also even queer joy for me singing to some lyrics by non-queer artists, like “‘Cause shade never made anybody less gay” in Taylor Swift’s “Shake it Off.”

There are plenty of artists to explore and find some that resonate with you.

Consuming queer media

Consuming any sort of queer media (not just music) brings me a lot of joy. I remember watching “Gentleman Jack” with my girlfriend at the time and being so happy to see a relationship like mine represented on screen. 

I also love checking out lesbian romance books from the library and getting queer joy from them. I also know queer people who love some video games where you can experiment with your gender and name and lean into queer joy that way.

If you have a preferred type of media, I’m sure there is queer representation if you look for it. Don’t be afraid to ask around for recommendations!

Clothes

I know another thing that can bring queer joy is to put on an item of clothing that gives you gender euphoria. As a cis person, I still experience gender euphoria by wearing items that affirm my identity as a woman… and generally that clothing or outfit will also have some rainbow elements because rainbows are part of my queer joy.

Some other lesbian friends I’ve talked to love leaning into flannel or other “stereotypically queer” clothing that way. It can be fun to experiment to see what clothing and accessories bring you queer joy!

So, whether it’s putting on that favorite outfit, jamming out to a queer artist, connecting with community, or something else you discover, see how you can tap into the queer joy you are so worthy of feeling.

I’m so excited for you to find what helps you experience queer joy! I hope you’re able to experience some queer joy today!