Creating Community Through Queer Line Dancing

At a national queer line dancing event called Stud Country on March 25, 2025, in Brooklyn, N.Y., Kitty Horblit, Karli Manship, and Hannah Bruns were seen dancing together, captured in a photograph by Nickolai Hammar for NPR. This article uses ‘queer’ as a term for those identifying outside heterosexual or cisgender norms and focuses on these identities.

Jolie Elins, 25, recalls discovering her queer community at a Los Angeles event, Stud Country, a couple of years ago. The sight of cowboy boots and fishnets was familiar, and she felt connected as she danced in unison with others who shared her identity. Now based in New York City, Elins continues to line dance with friends frequently. Participating in such events has offered affirmation and community to many, especially those exploring new aspects of gender or sexuality, explains Elsa Lau, a clinical psychologist specializing in queer professional support groups.

Lau highlights the importance of spaces where people experience shared identity, which can alleviate feelings of shame or anger. Sasha Jones, CEO of Cuties, an L.A.-based group for queer people of color, acknowledges the challenge of imposter syndrome when joining new communities. Jones advises newcomers to overcome fears, reiterating, “There’s no right or wrong way to be queer,” and to approach new experiences with self-compassion.

Jones and Lau advise identifying specific interests and values to find the right community members. Whether you share interests in culture, hobbies, or values, search terms like “Black queer events” or “trans sports events” can guide you. Social media platforms like Reddit or Instagram can serve as valuable resources.

Still, trying unfamiliar activities—such as queer bowling or zine-making—can lead to surprisingly fulfilling connections. Sean Monaghan, co-founder of Stud Country, observes many who start with limited dance skills but grow to become prominent dancers.

If apprehensive about attending events alone, Monaghan suggests inviting a friend. Jones adds that nobody knows your story when you join a space, fostering an environment of acceptance and anonymity.

For those who feel disconnected, creating a personal space may be the answer. Maya Satya Reddy of Queer Asian Social Club shares her journey of establishing a welcoming environment for queer Asians, addressing the underrepresentation in mainstream queer spaces. She urges others to reach out and initiate their own spaces, reminding them it doesn’t have to be perfect.

Finally, Dheivanai Moorthy from Bluestockings Cooperative Bookstore emphasizes that finding your community may take time, encouraging connections through online forums or literature. “Queer and trans people are resilient and will continuously exist,” Moorthy assures, offering reassurance to those seeking companionship.

For further engagement, NPR Life Kit invites listeners to leave a voicemail or send an email with their stories and experiences, maintaining a connection across platforms and communities.