Grounding in the Strength of Queer Ancestors
“Fix your wigs girls.”
That’s what drag queens in Chicago used to say to one another when danger was imminent on the street.
Why? Because there were razor blades tucked between their wigs and their wig caps just in case there was trouble.
As a queer person, I count these joyful, well prepared queens among my ancestors. And when the going gets tough, I know I can embody their strength when I think to myself, “Fix your wigs, girls!”
In that spirit, I offer this ritual for grounding in the strength of queer ancestors!
Find a place where you sit quietly by yourself, perhaps listening to music by one of your favorite queer artists: be that Chappell Roan, Todrick Hall, or Omar Apollo.
Bring to mind a queer ancestor whose energy helps you feel strong or grounded. This might be someone known to you: from your bio family, your chosen family, a teacher or mentor. This could also be someone you don’t know personally: a historical figure, an artist, someone from your field of work. Or you could even make up an ancestor: what if I’d had a gay uncle or a lesbian auntie? What would they be like?
As you bring this person to mind, imagine them with as much detail as possible: their clothes, their posture, their expression. Notice what about them makes you feel grounded or strong.
Now imagine that they hand you an object or offer you a phrase to take away: something that you can remember about their energy when you need it.
Offer the ancestor gratitude before you bid them farewell.
