The Most Inspiring Self-Love Quotes From Iconic LGBTQ Legends

lgbtq self love empowerment quotes

Self-love is what makes all of us stronger, and sometimes all we need to hear is someone else’s powerful words to inspire us! So if you are looking for some empowerment, read on for inspiring self-love quotes by iconic LGBTQ legends.


Back in 1969, during the Stonewall Riots, trans women of color led the way and formed the essential groundwork for the pride community to be born. The movement intended to abolish police harassment and claim a safe space for their community. In fighting back against such, members of the LGBTQ community joined together to signal that they would no longer tolerate the unfair judgment and expectations of others. 

The Stonewall Riots are the first step to a campaign that’s stood strong over the decades. With the intention of inspiring LGBTQ members to feel safe and accepted enough to stop living in shame and in the shadows. 

It’s no longer an arbitrary ideal to know that we all deserve self-acceptance, self-love, and the notion of feeling seen in our genuine authenticity. But despite this, and over queer-informed movements, a gap of hatred and judgment still divides our society. 

But as we move towards forming a society in which everyone can be celebrated, members of the LGBTQ community are still fighting to solidify their place in our world. As a result, queer-informed therapy and other programs have become available to help all who need guidance and counseling to find healing from trauma and other related challenged. 

With that said, in this article, we’ve rounded up some of the most inspiring self-love empowerment quotes gifted to the world by some of the most iconic LGBTQ legends. 

Dior Vargas, Queer Latina Mental Health Advocate and Activist

“I can not be there for others unless I am there for myself.”

This powerful statement instills the importance of self-care and self-acceptance. But Vargas went on to say, “I can’t work to push this movement without really investing in myself.”

This segment highlights the importance of caring for yourself before attempting to care for others. By living in your authentic self, you entirely lead the way for others to do the same. 

Audre Lorde – Black Feminist Lesbian Icon and Activist

“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence; instead, it is self-preservation. Self-preservation, in itself, is an act of political warfare.” 

This iconic and inspirational quote needs no further explanation, as we could all agree that self-preservation is an act that sparks fury in those around us and infuriates those in power, who seem to hope that we remain oblivious enough to stay in line. 

CeCe Mcdonald

“We are stronger, talented, smarter, and more resilient than we were told.” 

Yet another empowerment quote that rings true to most of us, part of the LGBTQ community or not. As children, most of us have felt boxed into an idealistic world, one where creativity, self-expression, and living in one’s own authenticity have always been a kind of taboo. 

Goddess Mirror by koket

Janet Mock – Writer, Transgender Activist, and TV Host

It’s always inspiring to find someone with the power of influence on the right end of things, living as a voice for those who feel they have no voice. 

Janet Mock said that “I believe telling our stories is a revolutionary act. An act that is sometimes met with hostility, exclusion, and even violence. But it is also a powerful act that can lead to love, transcendence, acceptance, and eventual community.”

Cole Ledford

Cole Ledford spoke on a topic most of us have avoided in ourselves since early childhood, the lingering notion that we somehow don’t belong, but this is something most of us have felt and still feel. 

Ledford quoted, “Every person has felt that they don’t belong. At one point or another, we’ve all felt the desire to give up because perhaps we are not needed. So, I think it’s crucial that we show one another that we’re all in this together, and we all encounter the same harrowing emotions from time to time.”

Laverne Cox – Actress and Transgender Activist

Laverne Cox once said that “It’s revolutionary for any trans individual to choose to be seen and heard in a society where others believe we should not exist.”

For any trans individual or loved one of a trans individual, it’s easy to see and feel the potency of this iconic statement. 

Ellen Page – Actress, LGBTQ Activist

“Once you have done something you first thought impossible, what more can frighten you?”

Ellen Page’s statement is one of the most inspiring and encouraging. Whether you need to stand up and be seen or face any other difficult challenge in life, it’s soothing, though, to know that behind courage lays the abolishment of fear. 


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