Finding Joy as an Act of Resistance

How one editor is boldly, creatively living through a time when the weight of the world feels heavier than ever.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:36pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic lifestyle object like a coffee cup or makeup palette repeated in a tight grid pattern, utilizing flat, vibrant neon colors and heavy black outlines to transform everyday consumer items into modern pop art.Embracing joy and self-expression as a form of resistance against societal challenges.Today in Milwaukee

In a time of global uncertainty and injustice, the author shares how she's made a conscious choice to not let the negativity around her extinguish her joy, creativity, and sense of community. By proudly embracing her identity, supporting local businesses, and making an effort to spread more laughter, the author sees these acts as a form of resistance against oppressive forces.

Why it matters

The author's personal journey highlights how finding joy, community, and self-expression can be a powerful antidote to feelings of hopelessness and helplessness in the face of societal challenges. Her story serves as an inspiration for others to tap into their own sources of joy and use them as tools for resilience and change.

The details

After feeling overwhelmed by the constant barrage of bad news, the author decided she didn't want to simply sit in those negative emotions. Instead, she made a conscious effort to not let her joy, creativity, and sense of community burn out. This included proudly sharing her identity as a creative, bisexual, neurodivergent woman, joining a writing group, supporting local businesses, dancing, wearing colorful outfits, and making an effort to make her friends and family laugh. The author sees these acts of joyful self-expression as a form of resistance, especially in a time where the existence of marginalized groups is constantly being questioned.

  • In early 2025, the author made the decision to shift her mindset and focus on joy rather than dwelling in negative emotions.
  • The author got a tattoo as a reminder of her commitment to not letting her joy be extinguished.

The players

Brianna Schubert

The author of the article, a writer and editor based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Lindsey Cherek Waller

An artist who paints tablescapes and still lifes that depict queer joy, community, and resistance.

Audre Lorde

A revolutionary Black feminist writer who wrote about the idea that embracing our own pleasure is an act of resistance.

Adrienne Marie Brown

The author of the book "Pleasure Activism: The Politics of Feeling Good", which explores how tapping into our joy can generate justice and liberation.

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What they’re saying

“I quickly became determined to not allow the current administration and anything they did make me sit around and wallow. Instead, I decided that I would not let my joy, my creativity, and my sense of community burn out.”

— Brianna Schubert, Writer and Editor

“[My paintings are] my way to imagine the world that I want to create, and that world is rooted in community and gathering and connection.”

— Lindsey Cherek Waller, Artist

“Pleasure activists believe that by tapping into the potential goodness in each of us we can generate justice and liberation, growing a healing abundance where we have been socialized to believe only scarcity exists.”

— Adrienne Marie Brown, Author

What’s next

The author continues to explore ways to spread more joy and community-building in her daily life, serving as an inspiration for others to do the same.

The takeaway

In times of adversity, finding joy, self-expression, and community can be a powerful act of resistance. By tapping into our own sources of pleasure and abundance, we can generate the change we wish to see in the world.