Queer Joy Matters
Conversations about LGBTQ+ mental health often focus on the difficult things: discrimination, rejection, stigma, hiding who you are and the impact these experiences can have on wellbeing.
Those conversations are important. But they are not the whole story.
There is also joy.
Queer joy can be found in the moment someone begins to understand themselves, finds language that finally feels right, meets people who truly understand them or realises they no longer need to make themselves smaller to be accepted.
Joy can look different for everyone
It might be attending Pride for the first time, but it doesn't have to be.
It can be wearing something that finally feels like you. Introducing someone you love without hesitation. Finding your chosen family. Seeing yourself represented in a book or programme. Laughing with people who understand your experiences without needing an explanation.
Sometimes queer joy is loud and celebratory.
Sometimes it is incredibly quiet:
“I think I'm finally comfortable being me.”
Both matter.
You are allowed to celebrate yourself
When you've spent time questioning yourself, worrying about acceptance or navigating other people's expectations, feeling comfortable in your identity can be incredibly powerful.
You don't need to wait until everything is perfect before allowing yourself happiness.
You are allowed to enjoy your relationships, your community, your identity, your individuality and the life you are creating.
A little tip from me
Try noticing the moments when you feel most able to be yourself.
Who are you with?
Where are you?
What are you doing?
How does your body feel when you aren't monitoring or editing yourself?
Those moments can tell you something important about the people, places and experiences that help you feel safe and connected.
Where possible, make a little more room for them.
A message from me
Mental health support shouldn't only ask:
“What has been difficult?”
Sometimes we also need to ask:
“What makes you feel alive?”
“What makes you laugh?”
“Where do you feel you belong?”
“Who allows you to be completely yourself?”
Your difficult experiences deserve to be heard, but so do your happiness, relationships, achievements, community and hope for the future.
You are more than the things you've had to overcome.
Make room for the joy too.
Until next time, give yourself space to breathe.
With love, Maggie
Space to Breathe Therapy
