Sharing Queer Joy; Part 2
Back with you today to share some more Queer Joy! Don’t miss Part 1 on the blog and in our Instagram feed for a discussion of why Queer Joy is so political, precious, and worth protecting.
When I began this little project, I did not realize that it would deliver to me exactly what I am aiming to provide its readers: a big dose of Queer Joy. When I reached out to my Queer friends and coworkers, it helped me to remember the way I can play an active part in this community, and to realize how its members consistently show up for me. It warmed my heart to realize my own part in others’ Queer Joy and re-affirmed my own ability to show up for the Queer folks I love. Finally, it brought me joy to witness the moments which have uplifted those I care about – some vicarious joy!
If you are struggling to find joy right now, please feel free to borrow some from one of the stories below. If you’d like to share your own experiences or photos in a post like this, please email me at cassidy@charlottepidegon.com
With care, Cassidy
Nicole and her partner Taylor in front of her business, County Creative
Growing up Queer, I started dating girls openly at 14, but even then, I kept parts of myself tucked away. I didn’t have the most supportive home life, and at times, everything felt like the end of the world—and honestly, those feelings were valid.
Back then when everyone shared every aspect of their lives on social media, I filtered mine. I rarely posted photos with my girlfriend at the time. I avoided sharing my personal life at work. If someone assumed I had a boyfriend, I didn’t correct them. It wasn’t that I was ashamed of who I was—but I definitely was not always proud.
Now, everything looks a little different for me. I have opened my own pottery painting studio in Prince Edward County and moved in with my partner (yes—finally checking that U-Haul stereotype off the list.) These are big life changes, and for the first time, I have found myself sharing my personal life in the most public way yet.
Suddenly, I had something to lose. I had a face behind a brand and a name people would talk about.
But then there was this moment—a real moment of Queer Joy. My partner and I stood outside my new business, taking photos together at my grand opening. It was a moment of clarity. I knew who I was. I knew why I was here. People were showing up for what I created—for my vision and hard work. They were supporting me.
And if someone chooses not to support my business because of my sexuality? I don’t want them anywhere near my brand.
This is what Queer Joy looks like for me: thriving in who I am and being unapologetically proud of it.”
– Nicole
“I have tons of moments of Queer Joy, but I would say the moments that have the biggest impact for me are the moments of connection with other Queer folks. The most recent experience that elicited A LOT of emotions around Queer Joy for me was a couple of months ago - some of my friends hosted an event called the “Big Gay Cabaret” here in Fredericton, where about 15 or so different performers got up on stage and performed in a variety of mediums (comedy, dance, drag, singing, etc); we had over 100 people, all Queer, show up to watch, and had a dance party together afterwards! it was such an emotional and empowering experience being in a room with THAT many Queer people, all super connected, celebrating art and Queerness <3”
Vik and Cassidy at Pride
“Queer Joy, for me, is shaving my head as an act of reclaiming my body and expressing my gender in a way that finally feels authentic”
— Vik
“Honestly, throughout my life I always felt bisexual, but I never feel like I belonged to the community because I didn’t fit into the box or idea of what Queer was perceived as. I even remember telling my therapist that I liked both men and women but I didn’t know if I identified as bisexual — I was an open book and always honest about my experience with anyone that asked, I didn’t know why I placed these limitation on myself. But I had a moment of lightness, I met a girl that was in a long committed relationship with a man, she identified as bi and was so open and honest about it, and it made me realize that the label didn’t matter. It mattered that I was honest with myself and honoured my feelings and experience for what they were and continue to be in every stage of life. It brought me peace knowing I didn’t need to be in a box, I could just be me.”
Written By: Cassidy Connolly
