They Fear Our Grief, but They Fear Our Joy More

They fear our grief, but they fear our joy more

There's still this idea floating around that queer joy is just “extra”. Something you earn after the protest signs are recycled and politicians stop debating your existence. But that’s bullshit. Queer joy has always been political, especially when the world tells you your body, your love, your gender and your voice are too much. When your entire existence is treated as a problem, it is nothing short of a radical act to be joyful.

27 photos from Central Alabama Pride 2025 that prove queer joy is thriving in the south

Queer joy and fights for liberation are more important now than ever, which is why Central Alabama celebrated Pride Month in a hug way, setting an example for what Southern Pride should really look like.“In a state where being out still comes with risk, our parade offered something bigger than just celebration, it was a beacon of hope,” said Josh Coleman, president of Central Alabama Pride. “For one night, Birmingham lit the way for the rest of …