The world has taught us that this day does not include us. Let's change that.
For many of us in the LGBTQIA+ community, Valentine's Day has historically felt very heteronormative. Ever since I was a kid, I remember it being a day filled with normative advertising campaigns in a "his and hers" format, and a static template of love that queer people barely fit into.
This is something that's been nagging at me for a long time, and it's been difficult to let go of. It's time to elbow our way forward a little and claim our well-deserved place. Because if there's anyone who know what it means to fight for equality, to nurture it and to define it on our own terms, it is, after all, us.
Love outside the box
As you may already know by now, I started QueerWall precisely because I felt a lack of representation in my everyday life. And just like interior design, Valentine's Day has long suffered from a lack of diversity. As a growing queer person, it's easy to feel invisible when the whole world seems to celebrate one type of relationship. Sigh.
But being queer is fundamentally about bending and challenging the rules. It's about understanding that love is infinitely bigger than the narrow image the media has fed us since way back. Celebrating February 14th as a queer person is a radical act.
Pay tribute to your Chosen Family
One of the most beautiful things about our community is the concept of "chosen family." For many of us, our friends are the ones who have stood strong when everyone else has disappeared. They're the backbone of our lives.
So why not use Valentine's Day to celebrate them? Love doesn't have to be romantic to be life-changing. Send a Valentine's card to your bestie, cook dinner for your friends, or give a gift that shows appreciation to someone who always has your back, no matter what. At QueerWall, I've designed several posters about community and pride, perfect as gifts to celebrate your chosen family.
Discover posters that celebrate community and pride here.
The most important relationship: The one with yourself
Self-love is a concept that really matters. In a world that isn't always so kind to us, loving yourself is the best thing you can do. But it's also a revolutionary act to do so.
Maybe this day should revolve around you completely? Decorating your home to be your safe haven is a form of self-love. Hanging wall art that reflects your identity as a daily reminder of who you are. Treat yourself to that poster you've added to the cart several times, or just a quiet evening doing exactly what you want.
Tips for celebrating on your terms
So, how do we reclaim Valentine's Day? Here's my top tips:
-
Don't expect too much: There are no must-haves and you don't have to treat yourself to an expensive dinner if you don't want to. Pizza at home in front of Netflix with your partner (or cat) is just as nice.
-
Support queer-owned businesses: Instead of buying mass-produced junk, put your money where it makes a difference in society. And yes, giving away art from a queer artist is always a good idea!
-
Make your love visible: If you feel safe, dare to take a seat. Hold hands in public, post that cute picture of you and your love kissing, frame and hang up that queer, statement print.
Let's make Valentine's Day a celebration of all kinds of love, not just the heteronormative kind we've always seen. The romantic, the platonic kind, and the self-love that keeps us going.
Explore the entire Love is Love collection here!
It's not the 14th just yet, but I still want to wish you a Happy Valentine's Day, no matter what ❤️
