The words “love” and “acceptance” are often top of mind during the month of June. We are told stories of queer individuals being accepted and loved by their friends and family. The importance of these human connections cannot be overstated; however, the relationship between a queer person and their dog is seldom mentioned.
Dogs offer absolute and unwavering love to their person, regardless of how their human presents to the world. For queer dog parents, this unconditional support makes facing an often hostile world, all the more bearable. It is much easier to be yourself if you know that no matter what, you will be loved.
To further explore this relationship, we asked three BARK team members (who all identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community), what their dog’s unconditional love means to them.
Laurie (She/Her) and Blanco
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, what does the unconditional love of your dog mean to you?
Laurie: “As queer woman, I adopted my first pup after a series of political events threatened to upend my basic liberties. It was a time when I was scared for the future. I jokingly said I needed a companion to love/be loved by, in order to make it through the rough times ahead. I had no idea how true that would be. My pittie, Blanco was my first fur baby and was there with me through love, loss, a global pandemic and much more. I have since brought two more pups (and a partner) into my home and the love has only grown.”
If your dog had a drag name, what would it be?
Laurie: “Blanca Perrovita – she’s a Miami queen who loves disco, and is not afraid to get loud.”
Evy (She/They) and Tangerine
How has your dog made you feel safe and supported as a member of the LGBTQ+ community?
Evy: “Subconsciously, I am still pushing myself to fit into certain stereotypes, so I don’t feel obligated to explain who I am and why I am who I am. Tangerine is kind of unique looking and gets people confused all the time. People will often say, “why is she in this color” or, “I have never seen a corgi like this before!” After years of responding, “I don’t know why, she was born this way,” I started to think that about myself too. I don’t need an explanation, and in fact, I don’t have an explanation. I am who I am.”
If your dog had a drag name, what would it be?
Evy: “Clementine Lassandra 5000.”
Saggie (She/It) and Birkin
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, what does the unconditional love of your dog mean to you?
Saggie: “In the Philippines, though the third gender is commonly accepted, it is still taboo in some locations, especially in rural areas. My pup has been my safe space every waking day. It is very comforting to know that there is someone waiting for you and will still love you, even though you have made some bad decisions. It makes me feel less lonely.”
If your dog had a drag name, what would it be?
Saggie: Masculina— she often gets mistaken for a “he” because of her looks!
