Queer Joy Interview #16: Rosalie Smith
Rosalie (she/her) and I met on 7/23/25 in Longview, TX to talk about living in East Texas, community, and safety.
“I’ve lived here in East Texas my whole life. It feels like the earth breathes here. The way the trees sway, the way the water flows, everything is so vibrant and living here and I wouldn’t trade it for anything if I didn’t feel like I had to. I want to see this be a place where everyone feels safe to live, feels safe to be who they are, and doesn’t live in fear of doing so.
Queer joy is being who you are and being loved and accepted regardless of who you are and how you identify. It is being able to be an active part of your communities and have the freedom to do so.
I am someone who is very loving and caring and giving. I’m surrounded by a loving and caring community, both my family and friends, they give to me and I give to them. I recognize that I’m very lucky, not a lot of people have that.
My friends have been my rock and my world, I love them to death. They help me realize and fully live my life and who I am. Being a part of a community that loves and supports me helps me further explore myself and grow.”
-Rosalie (She/Her)
