As a queer person who grew up in deep red rural Oklahoma, I was bombarded with the notion that my feelings and my existence were wrong. I was taught to be ashamed of my body and the pleasure it was built for. Whether it was by a sermon telling me I deserved death, or society telling me I needed to be more “manly.” Not to mention, growing up, I saw a lack of people who were “like me” in the media. But the truth is the queer body and existence is something oh so sacred and beautiful. This inherent sacredness is something that needs to be reclaimed. Especially now, since we live in a world that tells us we don’t belong.
Courtesy of Eron Vito Mazza.
First, let’s take a look at what robbed us of this divinity. It was taken by religions that taught us to be ashamed of ourselves instead of loving our neighbor. It was taken by family members who rejected us because of our truth. We were always told, basically, that spirituality and sacredness were only for cis, white hetero people. Even in this day and age, we struggle to find our seat at the table in alternative spiritual circles. When we walk into yoga studios, meditation groups, and metaphysical stores, there’s often a lack of representation and understanding.
The thing that the world needs to finally realize (or maybe needs to finally embrace) is the fact LGBTQ people have always existed and always will! Queer people represent the great “in-between.” In ancient times queer people were seen as the line walkers and shapeshifters. We were shamans, priests, priestesses, and all other manner spiritual leaders. Our very existence defies binaries and limitations—what could be more divine?
Wellness, when it includes the full truth of who we are, becomes more than just self-care. It becomes liberation. Move your body for joy, not punishment. Eat to nourish, not to shrink. Rest not because you’ve earned it, but because you exist—and that’s enough. These are sacred acts in a world that wants us to burn out, disappear, or apologize.
Honor your nervous system. Light a candle just to say “I made it through today.” Breathe deep and let your exhale be a spell for release. Create or seek out spaces that celebrate all of you—your queerness, your softness, your sacred rage, and your radiant resilience.
Here’s the truth no one told us: You are holy exactly as you are. You don’t have to earn that. You don’t have to fit someone else’s mold to be allowed to heal. Your queerness isn’t a barrier to spiritual wellness—it’s a doorway. Where does that doorway lead? It leads to your authentic self. It leads to empowerment and it leads to feeling safe and loved in the sacred skin you’re in! You are not just enough, your existence is sacred and a holy act of rebellion. Allow yourself to rest in this fact, celebrate yourself and the community that you have found.
Eron Vito Mazza is the author of The Living Lenormand, and is the host of the podcast The Witching hour with Eron Mazza.
