I refer to the term “queer joy” a lot when talking with clients, friends, and others in my life.

What is queer joy you may ask?

On a lot of “feelings wheels,” joy is generally in the area of happiness.

In Brené Brown’s “Atlas of the Heart” she categorizes joy as a “place we go when life is good.” She defines joy as “An intense feeling of deep spiritual connection, pleasure, and appreciation” and differentiates it from happiness as joy being more internal, while happiness seems more external and circumstantial

For me, queer joy is leaning into my queer identity and celebrating that part of me.

Queer joy helps me focus on the positive aspects of my queer identity, and the resilience, strength, and happiness that can emerge from navigating the unique challenges I face as a queer individual.

While experiencing queer joy doesn’t automatically eliminate the pains and struggles; for me, it helps me refocus and move forward without feeling so heavy emotionally.

However, it can be hard to feel joy sometimes!

Or even recognize that you might be feeling it.

I’ve been learning to listen to my body more to help tune more into when I’m feeling queer joy.

When I’m experiencing queer joy, I notice my body feeling a bit lighter and happier. I generally feel a smile come to my face and often feel my shoulders relax.

Sometimes I feel like doing a little happy dance or want to reach out to someone to share in the feeling I’m experiencing. Joy may feel different in your body. It can be helpful to notice how joy feels for you so you can be more aware of it happening..

I truly believe that joy is necessary for living.

Of course it doesn’t take away the hard emotions or circumstances that may be going on or that you may be experiencing. That’s not the goal.

But queer joy can offer resilience and the strength to move forward when it is hard. It can give hope for the future, with the idea that there are more joyful moments ahead.

It may not automatically change things, but leaning into queer joy has definitely helped me live a life I truly love living.

Learn about 4 ways you can experience Queer Joy.

Download the Queer Joy Primer and start feeling that joy in your life today!