Recently the Human Rights Campaign declared a state of emergency for LGBTQ + people in the United States. Not a very happy proclamation for pride month. While my primary methods of support will continue to be throwing money at HRC, ACLU and other organizations to help fight these aggressions, I figured a post to highlight two of my favorite queer icons in current media couldn’t hurt.

Big Freedia

Very on brand, I discovered Big Freedia via NPR. While returning home on a roadtrip in 2013, “All Things Considered” featured a segment about Big Freedia highlighting Bounce music and their rise to fame. (For the record, Big Freedia accepts any and all pronouns). Now with collaborations spanning from Beyonce to Lizzo, Kesha and Lil Wayne, to name a few, it’s safe to say Big Freedia’s achieved world renown. At the time, Bounce music seemed a natural progression from Dubstep, so I listened to some tracks and got hooked.

In their April birthday issue, Bitter Southerner highlighted Big Freedia. I’ll let you wander there for an excellent dive into her history, but I’ll steal some words from the Queen Diva herself first.

“That’s what it’s about,” Big Freedia says. “There’s so much negativity and things happening around the world. Somebody got to bring good energy and positivity. You know, I’m glad that’s me. I want to bring a happy time to the party. Lay your hair down. Forget about your problems at home and in your life for a moment. Shake a little ass with Freedia, and then you can go back to your everyday life. I just want to bring joy and happiness to people’s lives.”

Bitter Southerner Interview with Big Freedia, April 2023

What Big Freedia loves most about herself is what I love of Big Freedia. I’ve only been privileged to attend two shows since discovering her, but they’re locked in my memory as some of the most joyful experiences of my life. Even when I attended one of them by myself because I was debating whether or not to breakup with my boyfriend. In the light and glory that’s a Big Freedia shakin’ ceremony, nothing else matters.

Unapologetically authentic, Big Freedia is an icon not only for the queer community, but anyone looking to bring joy to a dark world.

Pattie Gonia

Where I was ahead of the curve on Big Freedia, I’m late to the game on Pattie Gonia. Active since 2018, I discovered Pattie Gonia only last year when she was featured in Travel & Leisure’s article honoring climate activists. Briefly -content that Pattie Gonia produces is precisely the kind of content I come to the internet for. All I want in my feed is a mustachioed man in platform heels twerking on a mountainside (Pattie Gonia is also pronoun fluid).

Pattie Gonia explores the outdoors hoping to make these sacred spaces safe for the queer community and from the evils of climate change. So much so, she was recently honored at the White House Pride celebrations. Pattie has long supported Camp Brave Trails, a summer camp for LGBTQ+ teens to learn leadership skills among like minded folks, and recently launched their own non-profit, The Oath, to help others develop actions to support a healthy planet.

Studies continue to show that being in nature helps reduce anxiety and stress, an outlet which should be accessible to all given public access is at the heart of the National Parks’ purpose. Maybe it’s just because I’m in the South, but most of the trail goers I’ve encountered do tend towards the cis-white-hetero-normative persuasion. However, there’s a good reason for all types of folks to get outdoors as Pattie Gonia proclaims.

When I first offered my husband the chance to come hike with my family his response was, “What?! People can’t hike 10 miles in a day!” In my mind, the initial bid was, “It’s just a little day hike.” When you’ve grown up in the woods conquering trails, you earn a confidence that translates to the rest of your life. If I can hike 15 miles in a day through the Appalachian summits in July, I think I can do just about anything. I hope anyone who follows Pattie Gonia’s advice feels the same.

Queer Celebration

Pride Month is about celebration, and both of these luscious ladies embody that spirit. One wonders how you could possibly bring hate to those bringing such joy, kindness, and service to humanity as they do. People do. Every day their feeds fill with hate, derogatory remarks, death threats for what? For being themselves and spreading love? It’s disgraceful. Find me instead sharing love for these Queens and hoping you’ll do the same.

P. S. Many corporations Pride-wash merchandise come June. Consider purchasing your pride gear from Human Rights Campaign where 100% of your purchase goes to supporting the fight for LGBTQ+ equality. Or find your own favorite queer business and support them directly!