Practicing queer joy helps you celebrate and embrace the beauty that is you. You deserve to revel in your queer identity and find ways to grow, shine, and thrive. Here are 5 ways to help you practice queer joy this Pride month and every month.
Surround Yourself with Supportive Community or Friends
Having supportive and inclusive friends, community, allies, or fellow LGBTQ+ individuals can give you space and community to uplift, celebrate, and connect. Having just one supportive friend with whom you can be your authentic self can make a world of difference.
If you’re looking to build a community, many local LGBTQ+ organizations have groups and opportunities where you can meet like-minded folx.
Celebrate and Learn About LGBTQ+ Culture
Queer culture is as diverse, beautiful, and engaging as our community. There are so many remarkable trailblazers and artists to learn from and enjoy – whether it’s literature, activism, film, music, drag performances, and much more – we encourage you to get inspired and joyful from all of the amazing queer culture IRL and online.
Engage in Self-Care
Incorporating self-care into your life can increase mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Trying different things until you find what works best for you. Some recommendations include meditation, journaling, yoga, and pampering yourself. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty glass.
Embrace Self-Expression
Explore and embrace different forms of self-expression that align with you and your identity. It can include personal style, fashion, makeup, hairstyles, or anything that gives you joy and speaks to your authenticity. Expressing yourself and celebrating your queer identity can be a powerful source of liberation and joy.
Celebrate and Support LGBTQ+ Celebrations, Events, and Businesses
Attending queer events such as pride celebrations or queer-owned businesses can bring a sense of belonging and community we all deserve. June is full of pride celebrations in Arizona and around the country. Celebrating queerness with others helps us know we’re not alone and that queer joy is alive and strong!
And remember, queer joy is deeply personal and subjective, so take what resonates with you and your journey! 🌈