In an era defined by political turbulence and escalating global crises, drag queen and environmental activist Pattie Gonia has issued a poignant reminder: joy is not just an emotional refuge—it’s a form of resistance. Reflecting on queer history, they underscore the idea that embracing happiness, even in times of struggle, is a radical and necessary act.
Taking to social media, Pattie invoked the words of activist Dan Savage, recalling the AIDS crisis of the 1980s: “We buried our friends in the morning, we protested in the afternoon, and we danced all night.” This sentiment echoes the long-standing tradition of LGBTQ communities turning pain into power. Amid government apathy and societal stigma, queer individuals—especially drag queens and trans people—built spaces of defiant celebration, ensuring that joy and solidarity became pillars of the movement.
Pattie Gonia argues that this strategy remains just as relevant today. “The main idea behind this is that we can take fighting for [justice] seriously without taking ourselves too seriously,” they explained, referencing their TED Talk on joy as a force for change. The insistence on joy, they say, disrupts the expectations of those in power who seek to demoralize marginalized communities. It is a way to reclaim agency, keep the spirit of activism alive, and invite others into the fight.
In a world increasingly hostile to LGBTQ rights—from drag bans to attacks on gender-affirming care—embracing joy is not a retreat but an act of defiance. “Joy is strategic, joy is an inside job, and joy welcomes more people to join a movement,” Pattie Gonia insists. The message is clear: despair only benefits those who seek to oppress, while joy fuels resistance and sustains the fight for equality.