Oats and Out

Spread Love, Always

Category: Mind Munch

Queer Affirmations for Hard Days
Some days, being queer feels like magic, like stepping into the sun, like a song that finally makes sense, like love in its purest form. And then, there are other days where queer affirmations could be your lifeline.

The days when you feel small, unseen, or exhausted. When your mind is unkind, the world is overwhelming, or the weight of simply existing as yourself feels too heavy to hold.

If today is one of those days, take a moment. Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and remind yourself:

💜 You are enough.
💜 You are not alone.
💜 You deserve love and kindness, including from yourself.

Hard days do not define you. And when you need a little extra support, let these queer affirmations be a soft place to land.

“I do not have to change who I am to be worthy of love and belonging.“

Affirmations For When You Feel Unseen 💖

“I am real, valid, and worthy of love just as I am.”
“Even when others don’t see me, I see myself and that is enough.”

There will be moments, too many, perhaps, where it feels like you have to explain yourself over and over again. Where people don’t get it, don’t listen, or refuse to see you for who you are. But let me tell you this: your identity is not up for debate.

You do not need permission to be yourself. You do not have to fit into anyone else’s idea of who you should be. You are here. You exist beautifully, authentically, and unapologetically.

The right people will see you, and more importantly, you can see yourself. That is powerful.

✨ Try These Queer Affirmations and Actions:
- Stand in front of a mirror and say: “I see you. I love you. You are enough.”
- Wear something that makes you feel you, even if it’s just a small detail; a bracelet, a pin, a color you love. Let it be a quiet reminder that you exist beautifully.
Affirmations For When You’re Struggling with Queer Self-Acceptance 🌱

“I am allowed to grow at my own pace. There is no timeline for self-discovery.”
“Every part of me, past, present, and future, is worthy of love and respect.”

Some people seem to just know who they are from the start. And that’s wonderful. But for many of us, self-discovery is a journey. It is messy, non-linear, and sometimes confusing. And that’s okay.

Maybe you’re questioning labels. Maybe you’re still figuring out what feels right. Maybe your identity has shifted over time, and you’re wondering if that’s allowed. (It is.)

Self-acceptance isn’t a single moment, it’s a practice. A lifelong unfolding of truth and love. There is no deadline. There is no rush. You are already enough, exactly as you are, in every stage of becoming.

✨ Try This:
- Write a letter to your younger self. What would you tell them about how far you’ve come?
- Make a list of things you do love about yourself; personality, style, resilience. Every part of you deserves love.
““I see you. I love you. You are enough.”“

Queer Love for When the World Feels Too Much 🌎

“I do not have to carry this alone. I am allowed to ask for support.”
“I deserve rest, and taking care of myself is a radical act of love.”

Being part of a marginalized community can be exhausting. The news, the laws, the constant fight for basic respect, it’s a lot. Some days, it can feel like too much. But you are not meant to carry this weight alone.

There is so much strength in community. In leaning on others. In admitting that you need support.

You are not a burden for feeling tired. You are not weak for needing rest. Asking for help, whether from friends, a support group, or even just letting yourself cry, is an act of self-love.

✨ Try This besides the affirmations:
- Text a friend, even if it’s just to say, “Hey, today is hard.” You deserve to be heard.
- Step away from the doomscrolling. The world will still be there after you take a break. Protect your peace.
Queer affirmations For When You Feel Like You Don’t Belong 💜

“There is space for me in this world. My existence makes it richer.”
“I do not have to change who I am to be worthy of love and belonging.”

If you’ve ever felt out of place, like you don’t quite fit, like you’re too much or not enough, please hear this: the world is better because you are in it.

If you’ve ever felt out of place, too queer, too different, too much, or not enough, I want you to hear this: you belong. The world is not complete without you in it. There is a community out there waiting to love and celebrate you exactly as you are.

✨ Try This for Queer love:
- Seek out queer spaces, online or in person. Finding even one person who understands can make all the difference.
- Remind yourself: Queer history is rich, beautiful, and full of people who have made space for us. You are part of that legacy.
“The world is better because you are in it.

For When You’re Being Too Hard on Yourself 🛑

“I will offer myself the same kindness I give to others.”
“My worth is not defined by productivity, perfection, or the opinions of others.”

We are often our own worst critics. The voice inside your head that tells you you’re not doing enough? Not trying hard enough? Not being enough? That voice is lying.

You are allowed to make mistakes. You are allowed to be imperfect. You are allowed to be human.

Think about how you speak to your friends. Would you ever tell them they aren’t enough? No? Then offer yourself that same compassion. You deserve grace, patience, and love, from yourself just as much as from others.

✨ Try This:
- Write down something kind you would say to a friend who is struggling. Now read it to yourself.
- Remember that mistakes don’t define you. Growth does. And you are always growing.
Queer Affirmations When Hope Feels Distant ☀️

“Even on my hardest days, I am still here. That is enough.”
“The future holds joy I have yet to discover, I am holding on for that.”

Some days, hope feels far away. But let me tell you a secret: even when you can’t feel it, hope still exists. It lives in small moments. In laughter, in sunlight, in the way you keep going even when it’s hard.

You have survived every difficult day so far. You are still here. That is something to be proud of. And even if today is hard, I promise you this: the sun will rise again, and so will you.

✨ Try This Self Love:
- Close your eyes and take ten deep breaths. You are still here, still breathing, still worthy of love.
- Think of one tiny joy to hold onto; a song, a pet, a favorite snack. Sometimes, hope starts small.
“The sun will rise again, and so will you.”

Hold These Words Close 💌

Queer affirmations won’t erase all struggles, but they can be little lifelines, whispers of love when you need them most. On the days when self-doubt creeps in, come back to these words. Write them down. Say them out loud. Let them be a reminder:

✨ You are loved, always. ✨
July 24, 2025
The Most Grown-Up Thing You Can Do? Be Yourself.

The Most Grown-Up Thing You Can Do? Be Yourself.

Adulthood is often presented as a checklist: get a job, pay your bills, be responsible, act “mature.” But what if I told you that the most adult thing you could ever do is simply to live life on your own terms?

For years, we’ve been told what it means to be a “proper” adult: what to wear, how to behave, what to prioritize. “Act your age.” “Dress like an adult.” “Don’t be childish.” But here’s the truth: Listening to those rules at the expense of your own happiness isn’t maturity, it’s conformity. The real mark of adulthood is knowing that the only person who truly matters in your life is you.

That’s not to say you should be selfish or dismiss others. Quite the opposite! Being an adult means valuing and respecting every person and every life, understanding that we are all on our own unique journeys. It means letting people live how they want to, without judgment, and extending that same freedom to yourself. It means making choices that bring you joy, rather than ones that simply meet others’ expectations.

“The only person who truly matters in your life is you.”

Let’s Talk About the “Act Like an Adult” Myth

Somewhere along the way, we’ve decided that adulthood means turning down the volume on everything fun, vibrant, and expressive. We’ve all heard it: “Don’t act like a child.” “Grow up.” “That’s not appropriate for your age.” But what does that even mean? Why should hitting a certain number on the age scale mean abandoning joy, playfulness, and the things that make life exciting?

Want to wear bright, funky clothes instead of dull “adult” outfits? Do it. Want to dye your hair neon green just because? Go for it. Want to dance in the middle of the street, sing loudly to your favorite song, or laugh at silly jokes? Why not?

People love to equate joy, playfulness, and self-expression with immaturity. But why should happiness be reserved for childhood? A truly wise and grown-up person knows that life is too short to live for other people’s opinions, be yourself.

The Queer Joy of Living Authentically

For the queer community, this idea of living authentically is even more important. Many of us grow up being told to “tone it down” or “blend in.” We’re asked to conform to standards that were never made with us in mind. But here’s the thing: adulthood is the perfect time to reclaim our joy and expression in all its fabulous, rainbow-colored glory.

Wear that crop top. Rock that androgynous look. Express yourself however you want, whether that means being the most colorful, glittery version of yourself or leaning into a vibe that’s uniquely and beautifully you. Because here’s the secret: there is no universal way to be an adult.

We are not all meant to fit into one boring, beige box labeled “adulthood.” Some of us are bold, loud, and expressive. Some of us are quiet, introspective, and soft. And all of it is valid. Your adulthood should look like whatever makes you feel the most you.

“We’re asked to conform to standards that were never made with us in mind.”

Stop Apologizing for Taking Up Space

So many people, especially those from marginalized communities, grow up feeling like they need to shrink themselves to fit into the world’s expectations. But real adulthood is about unlearning that conditioning and giving yourself permission to take up space, exactly as you are.

If you want to fill your home with stuffed animals and bright pink walls? Do it. If you want to wear a suit one day and a ballgown the next? Hell yes. If you want to wear no makeup or go full drag every time you leave the house? That’s your call.

The point is, life is too short to let someone else decide what your adulthood should look like. Be yourself. If your choices aren’t hurting anyone, they are yours to make. And anyone who tells you otherwise is just trying to put their own fears and limitations onto you.

What About Responsibility?

Let’s clear something up, choosing to live life on your own terms doesn’t mean dodging responsibilities. Paying your bills, taking care of yourself and others, and being a kind human? That’s part of adulthood. But none of those things require you to give up your individuality, joy, or self-expression.

Being responsible and being authentically you, are not mutually exclusive. In fact, the best version of adulthood is one where you take care of what needs to be done while still making space for happiness, creativity, and fun.

“Life is too short to let someone else decide what your adulthood should look like.”

Breaking Free From the “Shoulds”

At some point, we all have to let go of the “shoulds”, what we “should” wear, how we “should” act, what we “should” like. Because honestly? Most of those “shoulds” come from people who aren’t even happy themselves. If someone is telling you how to live your life, it probably means they never gave themselves permission to live their own.

So let’s flip the script. Instead of asking, “What should I do?” try asking, “What do I want to do?” Instead of wondering, “How should I act?” ask, “What makes me feel the most alive?”

The best thing about adulthood? You get to make your own rules. And the sooner you embrace that, the sooner you get to live a life that’s fully, unapologetically yours.

The Vegan Perspective: Living with Compassion and Choice

Living authentically also means making choices that align with your values. For some, that includes being vegan, choosing to live in a way that respects and values all life. Adulthood isn’t just about doing what’s expected; it’s about making conscious choices that feel right for you.

Being vegan isn’t about following some rigid rulebook, it’s about embracing kindness, sustainability, and a deeper connection to the world. It’s about saying, “I care about the impact I have,” while still allowing yourself to enjoy incredible food, vibrant meals, and a lifestyle that reflects who you truly are. Just like expressing yourself through clothing or creativity, your diet is another way to be unapologetically you.

So if you love bright, plant-based foods, cruelty-free living, and making choices that align with your heart? That’s just another way to embrace your most authentic adulthood.

“If you really want to be an adult, start living for yourself.”

The Final Takeaway, Be Yourself

If you really want to be an adult, start living for yourself. Choose what makes you happy. Dress how you want. Cut or color your hair however you like. Watch whatever brings you joy. Eat in a way that aligns with your values. Follow your own rules, as long as they align with kindness and respect.

Because the most grown-up thing you can do? Is to be unapologetically you. And that, my friend, is pretty damn beautiful.

July 23, 2025
Let’s Talk Bi Erasure: Honest, Real, and (Yep) Fun!

Hey there, lovely humans! 🌈 Today, let’s talk about something that’s been sneaking under the radar, bi erasure. It’s one of those sneaky things that we often don’t even notice, but it can really mess with someone’s sense of self. Now, don’t go running for the hills, I promise we’re going to get through this with some smiles and good vibes.

So, What Exactly Is Bi Erasure?

Okay, let’s break it down: bi erasure happens when people either ignore, deny, or downplay the validity of bisexuality. It’s like when someone says, “Are you sure you’re not just straight? Or gay?” It’s the idea that you can only be one or the other, that there’s no room for someone that loves more than one gender. It’s like telling a rainbow, “You can’t exist because you’re a combination of too many colors!” I mean, how rude, right? 🌈

Bi erasure can also happen within the LGBTQ community itself, which is kind of like being told you don’t belong at the family reunion, just because you like the mashed potatoes and the green beans. Hey, you belong there just as much as anyone else.

“You’re just confused. You’ll pick a side eventually..”

When someone dismisses bisexuality, they may say things like, “You’ll pick a side eventually,” or “You’re just confused.” But here’s the thing: bisexuality isn’t about confusion or being stuck in the middle; it’s about being open to love in all its beautiful forms. Just because someone could be in love with any gender doesn’t make them less valid. And yet, this erasure hurts, because it tells people their love isn’t real, or their identity is just a phase. Spoiler alert: We’re not going through a phase, and we’re definitely not feeling confused. (Well, maybe a little about which Netflix show to watch, but that’s not the same thing. 😂) Love is never just a phase, and neither is a person’s identity. 🏳️‍🌈

“We’re not in a phase, and we’re definitely not confused.”

Why Should We Care About Bi Erasure?

Bi erasure isn’t just a “small inconvenience.” It can be downright damaging. When people invalidate or overlook bisexuality, it can leave someone questioning their identity or even feeling alone in their experience. We all deserve recognition and a voice for who we truly are, right? Whether we’re into people who love all genders, one gender, somewhere in between or no gender, our love is real. It’s not a gray area or a stage. It’s a valid, vibrant part of who we are.

Real-Life Consequences of Bi Erasure

Besides, bi erasure can lead to real-life consequences. When people invalidate or erase bisexuality, they harm bisexual individuals’ mental health, self-worth, and sense of belonging. Imagine hearing that your entire existence doesn’t matter. That’s what bi erasure can feel like , being overlooked, sidelined, and sometimes rejected by the very communities you’re part of. That’s not cool. 😔

Standing Strong in Your Identity

Additionally, bi people can sometimes face discrimination from both straight and queer communities. Straight people may think they’re just “going through a phase,” while the LGBTQ community might think they’re not “gay enough” or “lesbian enough” to fully belong. It feels like you’re stuck in a tug of war, with no one standing by your side. But here’s the kicker: you deserve to be on someone’s side. You deserve recognition and respect simply for being yourself. And we should all be ready to stand in your corner. ✊

Building a World without Bi erasure

But here’s the thing: while bi erasure is real, we can all work to stop it. That’s where things start getting better and this is the fun part. Together, we can build a world that celebrates bisexuality instead of erasing it. And it doesn’t have to be a somber, heavy conversation. Instead, we can address it with a dose of positivity and love, because guess what? Bi people are amazing, and they deserve a space where they can thrive and be who they are, unapologetically.

“Never let anyone erase your identity!”

What Can We Do About It?

Spoiler alert: It’s simple. All we need is a little bit of awareness and a lot of love! Here are a few simple, but important ways we can all help stop bi erasure and make bisexual people feel seen and loved.

Listen and Believe People When They Say They’re Bi.

Sometimes the best thing we can do is listen. When a bi person shares their identity with you, don’t brush it off or invalidate their experience. Instead, listen, ask how they’re doing, and celebrate their courage. Just like if someone says, “I’m vegan,” and you don’t respond with, “Oh, but what about cheese?”, don’t dismiss their bisexuality. Support them, because coming out (in any form) can be tough, and they deserve your respect. 🧡

Stop Making Assumptions About Bisexuality.

Let’s be real, everyone has an opinion about bisexuality, and many of them are based on stereotypes. “Oh, they just want attention.” “They’ll choose a side soon.” “Bi people are just confused.” But here’s the truth: bisexuality isn’t about confusion or indecisiveness, it’s about embracing multiple possibilities and expressing love in all its many forms. So, stop assuming and start supporting. Every person’s journey is unique, and their sexuality is valid, regardless of what anyone thinks. 🌟

Use Inclusive Language

If you’re talking about relationships, don’t forget that bisexual people can be in relationships with anyone. A little “partner” goes a long way. It’s like calling someone “they” when you’re not sure of their gender, it shows respect and kindness. Remember, bisexuality doesn’t disappear when someone settles into a relationship with one gender, it’s still part of who they are, just like any other aspect of their identity.🩷

Don’t Erase Bi people—Celebrate!

Instead of erasing bisexuality from conversations or making it feel less valid, let’s celebrate it! Share stories, spread awareness, and create an environment where bisexual people feel like they belong, because they do! If you’re talking about LGBTQ issues, make sure to mention bisexuality. When someone shares their identity with you, celebrate it. And when you hear bi jokes or comments that dismiss bisexuality, speak up! It’s all about spreading positivity and making sure no one feels like they’re on the outside looking in. 🌈

“Bisexuality doesn’t disappear when someone settles into a relationship.”

A Sweet Little Reminder

To all the bi folks reading this: You are loved. You are enough. Your identity is important, and you deserve to be celebrated just as much as anyone else. Don’t let the haters or erasers get you down. You’re not just “going through a phase” (unless that phase involves eating way too much vegan ice cream in one sitting, in which case, no judgment!). You are valid, and you are incredible exactly as you are. Remember: Never let anyone erase your identity!💖

And to everyone else: Let’s keep the love flowing. Treat each other with kindness, respect, and, above all, empathy. We’re all on this beautiful, messy, rainbow-filled journey together, and we need each other more than ever. So, let’s support each other, let’s amplify each other, and let’s keep making the world a more inclusive and loving place for everyone. 🌍💫

Thanks for reading, friends. Now, let’s go grab some cupcakes (vegan, of course), and keep spreading the love. 🧁

January 5, 2025