🌈Join us in celebrating and supporting queer joy with the QJC's Summer Fundraiser!🌟

Who is QJC?

At the Queer Joy Collective (QJC) , we believe in thriving, not just surviving. Committed to transformative justice, we challenge queer oppression and embrace joy as resistance. We build resilient communities through positive expression and affirm the full range of human emotions.

The QJC is a grassroots social campaign with a simple mission: to spread joy. In a constantly changing political landscape, at QJC we aim to cultivate a safe space where queer folks can create, skill share, and support one another.

We are Neurodivergent and Trans run with around 90% of our team being neurodivergent! Our organization proudly embraces diversity in all its forms. Our interns range from high school students to mid-career professionals, representing a variety of ages and career stages.

What does QJC Do?

Through zine and letter writing workshops, annual career fair, skill sharing and a digital hub archiving queer expressions of joy, the QJC provides queer individuals a safe space to collaborate and work together, stitching together a colorful narrative of hope within our queer community.

Our programs include:

Internship Program: Empowering queer youth, students, and professionals through skill-building, experience, and a safe space to achieve career goals by providing practical experience, expanding their networks, and building confidence. In today's job market, LGBTQ+ individuals often face discrimination, hindering their professional success despite progress in LGBTQ+ rights. Our internship program directly combats this issue by emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion. It offers a supportive space for queer and trans interns to develop skills, gain experience, and build networks free from bias. Through inclusive practices and mentorship, we challenge systemic prejudices and promote LGBTQ+ visibility in professional settings.
Career Fair: The annual Queer Career Exploration Fair aims to increase visibility and representation of queer people in the workforce. Featuring professionals from diverse fields such as metal smithing, education, AI research, creative arts, and filmmaking, the fair empowers queer individuals to envision themselves in various roles and industries. By highlighting the talents and achievements of queer professionals, the event challenges stereotypes and breaks down barriers to entry for job-seeking queer individuals. Join us to connect, inspire, and build a supportive community where every queer person can thrive professionally.
Letter Club: Spreading joy and connection with snail mail by holding letter writing workshops in different communities, and sending letters in collaboration with The Queer Trans Project.
Art Contests and Exhibition: Amplifying self-expression and celebrating creativity to the QJC community via social media and website.
Joy Archive: Collecting and preserving stories, art, and moments of queer joy. Produced original works capture diverse expressions of queer joy through the form of articles published to the QJC website, zines, and other artistic collections.
Collaborations: QJC actively partners with educational institutions, including high schools and colleges, to facilitate letter-writing and zine-making workshops. These workshops are designed to engage young individuals in creative expression and discussions about queer identity and history. By integrating these programs within school curriculums, we empower young queer students with avenues for self-expression and discovery. Collaborations include partnerships with the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey (MIIS) through QAAAM (Queers and Allies @ MIIS), participation in the biannual Art, Sip, and Tunes event at MIIS, engagement with local education institutions, and other non-profit organizations across the United States. In addition, we are collaborating with the Cultural Center of Spain in Tegucigalpa, Honduras to conduct zine workshops.

What is QJC's History?

The history of Queer Joy Collective (QJC) begins with its founding in 2023 as a response to the need for spaces that celebrate and amplify queer joy. Initially starting as a grassroots initiative, the QJC aimed to counterbalance the often somber narratives surrounding LGBTQ+ experiences by focusing on the positive and uplifting aspects of queer life.

The collective was established by a diverse group of queer individuals who recognized the power of joy as a form of resistance and a tool for community building. They envisioned a platform where queer voices could express their creativity, resilience, and happiness freely. This vision led to the creation of various initiatives, including an internship program, digital archives, and monthly letters which brought together artists, activists, and allies.

Why should I donate to QJC?

We recognize that we can't accomplish this work alone, so we're reaching out for your collaboration and assistance to broaden our impact. We're currently raising funds to develop our internship program and support our operations. Your contribution will empower queer individuals across the U.S. by providing vital resources and a welcoming space amidst adversity.

Where does my donation go?

Donations directly fund QJC programs and operations.

Your contribution will directly empower queer individuals, providing vital resources and a welcoming space amidst the adversity we face as a community.

Queer Joy Collective Summer Campaign

Donate to a Queer Organization Instead of Buying from Evil Corporations 😈

Team Leaderboard

Team Members