Queering Joy: Why Glitter is a Political Statement

I remember the first time I started exploring my gender identity beyond the binary. I happened upon a clothing sale at Gant — every item was $10. The best part? I shopped entirely in the women’s section. None of the clothes were glittery or sparkly, but wearing them made my heart feel like it was exploding in the best way possible.

I had known I was trans nonbinary for a long time, but expressing myself through clothing helped something unlock — like these clothes were a portal to the truest version of myself, and it was dazzling. Self-expression, in all its forms, helps us find out who we really are.

That glittery feeling wasn’t just about the clothes; it was about rejecting the box the world wanted to put me in and embracing the bold, joyous truth of who I am. For so many queer people, this act of self-expression — whether through fashion, art, or even glitter — goes far beyond the personal. It’s a radical, political act of defiance against a world that has historically demanded conformity. The fact that queerness dares to be bold, to be different, to shine, is revolutionary in itself.

Glitter as Queer Joy and Defiance

Glitter is a kind of emblem for queer joy — for queer defiance. It’s not just decoration; it’s a declaration. Every sparkle is a reminder that queer people aren’t going anywhere (just like glitter). We’re here, we’re shining, and we’re not going to dim our light to make anyone more comfortable. Glitter has shown up on the dance floors of underground gay clubs, at Pride parades, and in the creativity of queer artists. Each speck is a shimmering rebellion against invisibility.

Take for instance, my friend Lo Triburgo. They have a whole project called SHIMMER SHIMMER, and it’s absolutely gorgeous. It features "glitter-adorned nude forms in familiar, gendered, art historical poses, photographed by [their] queer-femme partner, Sarah Van Dyck, on location at the historically gay section at the People’s Beach at Jacob Riis Park in Queens, New York." It’s all about defiance. Check it out!

But here’s the thing: this joy, this glittery defiance, isn’t just for the world to see — it’s for us. It's a way for us to unlock our truest selves, to push past the narratives we’ve been handed, and to write our own stories. That day in Gant, I wasn’t just buying clothes. I was buying a ticket to a deeper understanding of who I am. Every outfit was a small act of rebellion, a glittery explosion in a world that wanted me to be muted.

Why Glitter is Political

The reason queer joy — glitter included — is such a radical statement is that joy itself is resistance. For centuries, queer people have been told to hide, to blend in, to silence their voices. But every time we throw on some glitter, we’re saying no to that erasure. We’re refusing to be invisible. Instead, we’re saying, “I’m here, and I’m shining for everyone to see.”

That’s what makes our very existence political. Our queerness is a celebration of identity and a pushback against systems that have tried to stifle it. When queer people embrace joy — whether that’s in fashion, in art, or in full-blown glitter — it’s an act of resilience. It’s saying, “I will not be diminished. I will take up space, and I will do it on my terms.”

Queering Joy: A Call to Shine

So, what does this mean for you, dear reader? It means that embracing joy — whether through glitter or anything else that makes you feel more alive — is a radical act of self-love. It means you get to define your joy, your expression, your glitter, however you want. It means not letting the world tell you who to be or how to shine.

We’re here to remind each other: whether it’s glitter or any other form of expression, the choice to live authentically is both deeply personal and deeply political. So, go ahead — find your glitter, your sparkle, your way to shine. And in doing so, you’ll light the way for others to do the same.