Being queer is a lifestyle, a mindset, and, let’s be honest, a never-ending source of joy and hilarity. Sure, the journey to self-discovery might come with its bumps and roadblocks, but once you’re living your loudest, proudest truth? Life gets pretty damn good. So, in the spirit of gratitude (and a distraction from how crazy the holidays can be), here’s why I’m so thankful to be queer.
1. My Chosen Family Is A Lifesaver
Who needs that one homophobic aunt at Thanksgiving when you’ve got a crew of ride-or-die queer besties who actually know how to make mashed potatoes from scratch? Our chosen families are a beautiful part of queer life—expanding our support systems, turning holidays into affirmations of love and joy, and transforming life’s challenges into shared laughter and resilience.
2. Gaydar is Basically a Superpower
Walking into a crowded room and instantly spotting your people is a skill that straight folks will never fully understand. It’s like a sixth sense but way cooler. One nod, one sly smile, and suddenly you’re sharing life stories over drinks.
3. Queer Spaces are the Best Spaces
Drag shows, queer bars, and karaoke nights with Chappell Roan on repeat—no one knows how to throw a party like the LGBTQ+ community. Queer spaces are where self-expression thrives and where judgment is left at the door (along with your jacket, because you WILL be dancing).
4. Thrifting is a Queer Sport
Move over, Olympic athletes. No one navigates a thrift store like a queer person on a mission. Finding the perfect oversized blazer or those retro platform boots is an art form, and, honestly, we deserve medals for it.
5. The Glow Up is Real
Most queer folks have a coming-of-age story that includes at least one awkward phase. But once we come into our own, it’s an absolute transformation. The glow-up goes beyond the physical (though queer people do tend to age like fine wine). Confidence takes the place of insecurity, and suddenly that awkward kid fumbling through high school becomes the effortlessly cool adult rocking a tailored suit or bold eyeliner that actually works.
6. The Power of Protest and Progress
Tracing queer history from Stonewall to today’s fight for trans rights, queer activism has moved mountains and reshaped the world’s understanding of love and identity. Our protests are equal parts resilience and celebration, proving that love and authenticity are unstoppable forces.
7. Trendsetting is in our DNA
Look, I’m not saying queer people invented everything, but…we kind of did. From fashion to slang (yes, the straights finally caught on to “slay”), we’re the ones shaping culture. Everything, whether it’s, voguing (thank you, ballroom culture) to over-the-top camp aesthetics (drag, anyone?) can be traced back to queer creativity pushing boundaries and reshaping what’s cool.
8. Queer Humor is Just Better
Queer humor is in a league of its own, and honestly, the rest of the world is just trying to catch up. We’ve turned chaos into comedy gold, with TikTok trends that spiral into queer inside jokes and Twitter threads so witty they deserve a Pulitzer. We can find the humor in everyday absurdity. Queer folks create content that’s laugh-out-loud funny while being sneakily insightful.
9. Queer Icons Live Forever
Queer icons are in a league of their own. Melissa Etheridge gave us emotional ballads to cry to, k.d. lang showed the world that soft butch is sexy, and RuPaul made drag a global phenomenon. Megan Rapinoe and Brittney Griner redefined what it means to be an advocate and an athlete, while feminist Audre Lorde combined activism and poetry to ignite a movement. Icons like Marsha P. Johnson fought tirelessly for LGBTQ+ rights. Sylvia Rivera championed transgender visibility, and Chavela Vargas brought queer passion to the forefront of Latin American music. Stormé DeLarverie, who played a pivotal role in the gay liberation movement, reminded us of the strength and legacy of queer women who’ve shaped history. The list goes on and on and on and on…
10. We Reinvented Love
Who needs dusty, outdated rules about relationships? Queer love rewrites the script with creativity, fluidity, and authenticity. Whether it’s redefining commitment, embracing polyamory, or just saying “no” to toxic norms, our love stories are trailblazing.
So, why am I thankful to be queer? Because it means I get to live authentically, surrounded by a community of tastemakers, dreamers, lovers, and trendsetters. It means I’m part of a legacy of resilience and joy, even in the face of adversity. And most importantly, it means I get to thrive (sparkle, even) exactly as I am. Happy Thanksgiving, queers!
