Queer Joy: Carolina

What Queer Joy is to me, growing up in Longview, and my inspiration for this project.

To me, Queer joy is being able to share my true self with people. I feel Queer joy when I am able to authentically share my passions, personality, humor, likes and dislikes, and whatever else with people, specifically with my friends.

I took this picture at One Love Longview during Pride month in 2023. My friend and I volunteer there and during pride month we colored hearts to put on the board. Mine is the heart on the bottom left! I chose this picture to represent Queer joy for me because volunteering is an experience I share with my friend and I am passionate about helping others.

Growing up in Longview there were not a lot of Queer resources, so I was very excited to start volunteering at One Love. It felt good to give back to the community, especially in a way that contributes to the LGBT+ community here. This community board of hearts was so fun to contribute to and see grow throughout Pride Month.  One Love is one of my many inspirations for wanting to create this project, as it has brought me so much joy.

-Carolina (She/Her)