Finding Your Queer Community through Line Dancing and More

Dancing at Stud Country, a national queer line dancing event, connects many to their community. On March 25, 2025, Kitty Horblit, Karli Manship, and Hannah Bruns enjoyed this event in Brooklyn, New York. This piece uses ‘queer’ as an inclusive term for those outside of cisgender or heterosexual identities.

Jolie Elins, 25, recalls discovering their queer community at Stud Country in Los Angeles. Surrounded by cowboy boots and fishnets, they loved joining others in a unique niche activity. ‘It was a new chapter to explore my queerness with others like me,’ Elins says. Living in New York, Elins now line dances regularly with friends.

Queer spaces, whether a dance night, kickball league, or bar, can affirm identities. Elsa Lau, a clinical psychologist, notes these spaces make gender identity or sexuality feel more real. They can also support those struggling with shame or grief about their queer identity.

If you’re curious about joining such spaces, there are helpful tips. Overcoming impostor syndrome can be a hurdle. Sasha Jones, CEO of Cuties, says negative self-talk often holds people back. Newcomers may worry about fitting in, but Jones encourages self-grace. ‘There’s no right or wrong way to be queer,’ she says.

When seeking connections, consider what you desire. Commonality in queer identity doesn’t guarantee a connection. Shared experiences may differ due to career, values, or life stages. Search for groups aligning with your racial, ethnic, or interest-based preferences.

Try new activities too. Strong ties might form around new experiences like queer bowling or zine-making. Sean Monaghan, co-founder of Stud Country, sees newcomers evolve into talented dancers.

Invite a queer friend to events if you’re nervous. Monaghan suggests not hesitating to have company. ‘Nobody knows your background walking into a place,’ says Jones.

If existing events don’t suit you, create your own. Maya Satya Reddy, founder of Queer Asian Social Club, did so when she couldn’t find a fitting space. She collaborated with other organizers to establish her own group.

Don’t lose hope if the right network isn’t nearby. Community can be online or in literary form by queer authors. Dheivanai Moorthy of Bluestockings Cooperative Bookstore reminds us that queer communities have always existed.