Get ready for a year of rainbow-filled fun!
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY GETTY IMAGES
If you’re the type of person who leaves your New Year’s resolutions until the end of the year, you’re in the right place. Now is usually the time when we panic-decide to run a marathon, give up dairy or read a book a week. If you’re looking to change things up this year, why not implement some of these queer resolutions into your plans for 2026?
Buy more from queer-owned businesses and shops
Next time you’re in the market for a new item of clothing, a trinket or a present, why not head over to a queer-owned business to make the purchase? With the cost-of-living rising and big corporations continually crushing independent businesses, now is a great time to look towards your local queer-owned businesses.
Attend at least one new Pride event this summer
Pride season can be overwhelming – we get it. It can be easy to stick with your local Pride events or favourite online sessions. But this Pride, why not challenge yourself to attend (whether in-person or virtually) a different event? Maybe you can hop onto a bus or train to another city, find a new group to join online or even host your own!
Go to a new LGBTQIA+ group or workshop
For some of you, this might be the first LGBTQIA+ group or workshop you’ve ever attended. For others, it could be a new addition to your rota of fun queer spaces. Whether it’s in person or online, try to find a new community of queer people to connect with. Pick up a new hobby, find like-minded people or just put yourself out there!
Learn about LGBTQIA+ history from a culture different to your own
Unlike our queer ancestors, we can find out about queer cultures around the world with just the click of a button. Why not learn about what lesbian culture is like in a country across the world? Find out more about what trans joy looks like in a place you’ve never been. Educate yourself on what laws protect or discriminate against LGBTQIA+ people in different continents. Be curious.
Listen to five new queer artists that you’ve never heard before
If you’re like us, you might be guilty of just listening to the same artists again and again. This year, why not diversify your playlist by finding some new LGBTQIA+ artists to listen to? Your next favourite artist could be just one song away.
Watch 12 queer films that you’ve never seen before
This year, stop saying “Oh, I’ve been meaning to watch that”, and instead sit down in front of the TV! Set yourself a goal to watch at least one queer film you’ve been dying to watch a month. You can track your progress by using apps like Letterboxd, which allows you to share your reviews with any friends on the same mission as you.
Host an event for your queer friends or community
We all know that community is at the heart of what is so special about being queer. Instead of waiting for that perfect event to happen, why not be the one to organise something yourself? It could be something as simple as a walk with queer friends or a book club, but it’s still vital for building that village around you.
Read one book by a queer author you’ve never picked up before
If you want to become a bookworm in 2026, why not focus on queer writers? There are queer authors in every genre under the sun, and we’ve got lists upon lists of recommendations. If you head to the Books section of our website, you can find your next read.
Sign at least one petition this year to protect LGBTQIA+ rights
2025 showed us that LGBTQIA+ rights are under attack. It’s vital that we don’t just sit back and let it happen. If you’re not able to attend marches or protests, why not sign petitions or open letters that aim to protect queer rights?
Dress like your favourite queer style crush for one day
Looking to reinvent yourself this year? Maybe take a leaf out of your style crush’s book. Sometimes it can be scary to embrace your true, authentic style. By cosplaying as your fave celeb or style icon, you can channel some of their confidence to express yourself however best suits you.
Visit one queer landmark that you’ve never been to before
If your goal this year is to get out of the house more, why not set yourself the goal to find a new queer spot to visit? This could be the home of a famous lesbian – like Anne Lister’s Shibden Hall – or it could be a spot where something in queerstory took place. With a bit of research, you’ll probably find that queer history is actually all around you.
Show up for your queer authentic self every single day
New Year’s can often be a time when we compare ourselves to other people. We worry that we’re not doing enough or maybe doing too much of certain things. Regardless of what you end up achieving this year, make it your mission to be your true, authentic self. Start saying affirmations in the morning. Wear the clothes that make you feel good about yourself. Use the pronouns that feel right for you, even if it’s just to yourself. You’ve got this – 2026 won’t know what’s hit it.
Love media made by and for LGBTQIA+ women and gender diverse people? Then you’ll love DIVA. We’ve been spotlighting the community for over 30 years. Here’s how you can get behind queer media and keep us going for another generation: linkin.bio/ig-divamagazine
Did you know that DIVA has now become a charity? Our magazine is published by the DIVA Charitable Trust. You can find out more about the organisation and how you can offer your support here: divacharitabletrust.com
