Kitty Horblit, Karli Manship, and Hannah Bruns danced at Stud Country, a national queer line dancing event on March 25, 2025, in Brooklyn, N.Y. Nickolai Hammar/NPR captured the moment.
Inclusive Term Usage
This article uses the term ‘queer’ as an inclusive reference for those identifying outside of cisgender or heterosexual norms. Here, it is mainly used to discuss gender and sexuality.
Jolie Elins’ Experience
Jolie Elins, aged 25, recalls the moment they connected with their queer community at a line dance night in Los Angeles. They found a sense of belonging among others who shared in this unique activity. Now residing in New York City, Elins enjoys line dancing regularly with friends.
Building Affirming Spaces
Elsa Lau, a clinical psychologist, emphasizes the value of a supportive queer community. These spaces provide encouragement and can alleviate feelings of loneliness or struggle. Lau notes that being in such spaces affirms one’s identity, creating a shared experience.
A group line dances at Stud Country in Brooklyn, N.Y., on March 25, 2025.
Overcoming Impostor Syndrome
Sasha Jones, CEO of Cuties, speaks about the challenge of joining queer spaces. Newcomers may feel intimidated by self-doubt, but acceptance and self-compassion are vital. She reassures that there’s no incorrect way to explore queerness.
Seeking Connections
Identifying a compatible community requires consideration. Common traits beyond queer identity, like ethnicity or shared interests, can foster connections. Using social media as a resource can help locate suitable events.
Embracing New Opportunities
Engaging in unfamiliar activities can lead to rewarding connections. Sean Monaghan, a co-founder of Stud Country, has witnessed many finding joy and community through participation without prior experience.
Attending Events with Friends
To ease nerves, bringing a friend to events can make the experience more comfortable. As Jones mentions, assumptions about newcomers are minimal.
Creating Your Own Space
If existing gatherings aren’t suitable, the possibility of creating a new space exists. Maya Satya Reddy, founder of Queer Asian Social Club, built a community when she didn’t find her place in existing ones.
Trusting the Journey
Persistence in finding or forming the right network is key, as emphasized by Dheivanai Moorthy of Bluestockings Cooperative Bookstore. Online spaces and literary connections serve as additional resources for community.
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