Centering Queer Joy During Pride in 2025  

This Pride Month, the Proud@APCO employee resource group (ERG) notes the urgency in 2025 to protect and empower the LGBTQ+ community. 

Despite growing levels of public acceptance for LGBTQ+ people, numerous challenges remain, including an increase in crime against transgender individuals and state lawmakers continuing to file anti-LGBTQ+ legislation across the country.  

In this environment, it’s difficult to feel a sense of joy right now. Yet, prioritizing joy in the day-to-day has always been essential to our activism in shaping a better future.  

We asked members of our community what it means to prioritize queer joy and how they see this year’s Pride:  

Kat Kutuzov (They/them/theirs)

“As a transgender person, I can say with certainty that especially now, we’re constantly under pressure—from political to cultural attacks. In this context, choosing joy isn’t always easy, but it matters. 

I’m prioritizing queer joy by leaning into community: I’ll be celebrating with friends and found family when I can, both new and longtime, and I’m especially excited to experience NYC Pride for the first time. In a moment when visibility and solidarity feel more urgent than ever, showing up and celebrating who we are remains one of the most meaningful things we can do.” 

Owen Stecco (He/him/his)

“In a time when we are seeing attacks against our most vulnerable LGBTQ+ communities such as trans and gender-nonconforming youth and people of color, our queer joy becomes an act of resistance. Rather than feeling defeated and worn down, we remain focused on showing up for one another and protecting the joy that makes queerness powerful. So, this year, I’m investing inward, spending time in queer spaces and spreading love across our community.”  

Tom Joy (He/him/his)

“This Pride Month, I’m prioritizing queer joy by celebrating unapologetically and encouraging those in my community to do the same. While we face enormous challenges, I remind myself that we’re not the first. We can remain focused on progress while also taking the time to celebrate our community and our allies. Being vocal with our pride is one of the best ways we can do that.”  

Nick Ashton-Hart (He/him/his)

“I’m prioritizing joy by showing up—I’ll be marching in both New York and London Pride, which I try to do every year. It is a joy in itself, but it’s also a statement of solidarity. Being out and visible matters the most when times are tough, and that’s true on many levels this year. I also know that it is either illegal, dangerous or both to be out and proud in dozens of countries worldwide so I feel an obligation to show up for those who can’t.”  

Mary Clark (She/her/hers)

“I find joy in a community that came together on the principles of love and to lead a life centered on being unapologetically authentic to that. Regardless of whether queerness is cool and trendy, or being used as the boogeyman for moral panic, I know that my joy and the joy of this community will always be far more fulfilling than one of hate. I’ve found a place here in the community that will remain unchanged by the trends of the times or administrations, and isn’t it joyous to be unwavering in that?”  

Tristan Fitzpatrick (He/him/his)

“In this season of heightened disruption, increasing connections with my community is how I want to prioritize joy. While times may change, our community remains steadfast in our pursuit of full equality. Nurturing these connections, whether through our ERG, social groups or friendships, is vital for me to advance my well-being and ensure I can serve as a strong advocate for myself and my community.”