Episode 17 - Queering Internal Family Systems (IFS) - Queer Joy!

Queer Joy is an Act of Resistance

In this episode, Jude and Alessio explore queer joy - what it is, where it lives, and why it matters. Starting from a poster on a friend's kitchen wall ("queer joy is an act of resistance"), they follow the thread through personal reflection, IFS parts work, and the politics of marginalised identity.

They talk about the internal experience of joy as an expression of self-energy, and the protector parts that learn early on that visible joy, particularly joy that doesn't conform to dominant norms, can be dangerous. Alessio shares research from Pink Therapy on queer community engagement and reflects on how homonormativity can recreate the same hierarchies and judgements that queer people face in wider heteronormative society.

The conversation moves through neurodivergent joy, and the particular charge of joy that emerges specifically because something has been marginalised. From hand-flapping with a colleague to a trans pin on someone's lapel to RuPaul's Drag Race, they notice how joy can arrive in the smallest, most ordinary moments, and what it means to let it.

They close with a question for listeners: what makes you joyful? And what parts might be getting in the way?

Watch this space: a guest episode on queer joy is in the making.

00:00 Introduction and what is queer joy?

03:00 Joy as an expression of self-energy

07:00 Homonormativity and the policing of joy

09:00 Neurodivergent joy and the shame of being too much

16:00 Joy as an act of resistance

19:00 Does queer joy require community?

24:00 The smallest moments of queer joy

28:00 IFS, parts, and unlocking exiled joy

30:00 What makes you joyful?

Disclaimer

This podcast is hosted by qualified therapists who share personal reflections and professional insights into therapy and mental health. The views expressed are those of the individual speakers or guests and are personal to them.

While we talk about therapy, this podcast is not therapy. It's for information, reflection, and conversation only, and should never be considered a substitute for professional mental health support, diagnosis, or treatment. Listening to this podcast does not create a therapist-client relationship.

Some episodes may touch on sensitive topics, so please take care while listening. If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a qualified therapist or mental health professional in your area.

Guest opinions are their own and don't necessarily reflect those of the hosts.

Contacts

Alessio Rizzo (He/They) is a Certified IFS psychotherapist, IFS Trainer with the IFS Institute, and Approved Clinical Consultant (ACC) — www.therapywithalessio.com

Jude Carn (She/They) is a Certified IFS psychotherapist and Approved Clinical Consultant (ACC) — www.anchoredinself.co.uk

Sound editing by Forbes Coleman