Cultivating Queer Joy: Barriers, Bridges, and Belonging

• In Event: Eros and Agency

Abstract

Across the United States, queer and trans rights are increasingly under attack. Within this context, a focus on queer joy is key, as it connects us to others and creates community necessary for collective action. In this project, I explore how and when joy is experienced by LGBTQ-identified adults in a Midwestern state particularly hostile to queer identities. Using interview data from 40 queer and trans Midwesterners ages 18 to 60, I focus on both barriers to queer joy as well as contexts that facilitate queer joy and belonging. Findings suggest that queer joy is most likely experienced when authentic expression is safe and affirmed. Being seen as their authentic selves allowed participants to connect with others deeply in ways that were not possible in contexts where they were self-censoring or feeling guarded. Queer joy helps to create spaces where freedom and affirmation are possible within a larger context that marginalizes and invalidates queer and trans identities. Queer joy is thus both limited by cisheteronormativity and structural stigma, but when experienced alongside struggle, is transformative and carries significant individual and political meaning.

Author

• Jennifer Pearson, Wichita State University