The QJM Team
QJM is made possible by a small team of dedicated volunteers. If you have any queries about our work you can reach out to any of our core team, or email our team inbox at queerjoymovement@gmail.com.
If you are interested in joining us as a guest practitioner you can fill out this form and one of the team will get back to you.
Emily Beale (she/her)
Team Lead
I am an RYT 500 trained specifically in trauma sensitive yoga, the only yoga based clinical intervention for complex trauma. Yoga for me is a safe place to start to feel the fullness of the complex and confusing human experience, and I hope to share that with other people who are looking for a way back to themselves.
I strongly believe that healing doesn't happen in isolate, but together, and in community. QJM was born of the need for a safe space for LGTBQ+ people to come together, to find community, joy, and healing.
www/fallowhands.uk
Adrienne Wilkinson (she/they)
Creative Lead
I am a holistic massage therapist. My interest in bodywork grew from my own journey of connection and healing. Our bodies hold stress, and through massage we can gently release it—soothing the nervous system, easing pain, and letting emotions move.
There is no right way to have a body — massage can help you befriend yours and feel safe within it. Consent and choice guide every session—we’ll talk, plan together, and adjust as we go so you can truly relax and receive.
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Frank Levermore he/she/they
Events Lead
I come to QJM as an accredited mindfulness teacher. I’m really excited to hold some mindfulness sessions with playful twists, connecting with the inner child, celebrating the body, and being a bit silly!
I am also currently undertaking an MA in Counselling and Psychotherapy with the goal of bringing accessible, trauma informed care to the queer community. I'm passionate about creating spaces for queer and trans people to come together in talking circles to support one another in the difficult time we’re living in.
Dianna Baptista (she/her)
Business Advice and Support
I am Yoga Instructor of 15 years and also work professionally as a Reiki Master and Psychic Medium. In most of my work, I am firmly focused on soul in the body, mind, soul trinity. I Iove helping people excavate what spirituality or soulfulness means to them in pursuit of increasing self-worth and navigating personal truths.
I am thrilled to infuse our work with a sense of belonging to something greater - whether that’s within your spirituality or our growing community.
Guest Practitioners
@ellav.yoga
Ella Hamlin (she/her)
Hatha Vinyasa Teacher
I am a local Hatha Vinyasa teacher, excited to bring this beautiful practice to beginners and intermediate students. My classes incorporate many aspects of Hatha Yoga; asana, pranayama, meditation.
As a queer woman, I am thrilled to be a small cog in this community and to hold a space where queer people can be their most authentic selves. In an industry where lgbtqia+ representation often lacks, I strive to make my classes accessible to those who often don’t feel seen within movement communities.
@aliceraynerpt
Alice Rayner (she/her)
Personal Trainer
As a queer personal trainer, I know how
challenging it can be for LGBTQIA+ people to see themselves represented in fitness; I’m passionate about helping them find their place and showing them how to thrive there.
I specialise in strength training with a body-neutral approach, my priority is creating a safe, affirming space where people can gain confidence, move well and feel strong.
Founder, Lucid Tales
@lucideers & @eikus.thorn
Gabriel/Thorn (they/them)
Storyteller, poet, drag comedian,
host, actor, speaker
I am a trans oral storyteller with a decade of experience in facilitating creative writing, community storytelling and queer wellbeing workshops.
When we have been made out to be dragons or damsels in distress, what might our heroes look like?
In these creative sessions we'll build stories together through collaborative play and find the fairytale endings that work for us.
@thequeerpioneeruk
Lydia Wild (they/her)
Coach and Facilitator
I am a queer burnout coach and facilitator. I support participants in reflecting on what’s going on for them, normalising the challenges of life, and creating connection and mutual support through guided discussion and community sharing.
My work supports people in the journey to recognise and overcome burnout, reconnect with themselves, and create space for what they truly want.
@zumbashii
Asha (she/her)
Zumba Instructor
I'm Asha, a local Zumba and Zumba Kids instructor. I love teaching Zumba because it combines my passion for dance with health and fitness, whilst creating a joyful and energetic environment for students inspiring them to move, find a community and make friends.
As a queer woman I am so excited to be, representing queer people in the dance and fitness worlds, whilst also showing people that Zumba really can be for anybody, regardless of experience, ability, background, and the rest. If you leave smiling and sweating, then I've done my job 🙂
Come exactly as you are, and let's dance together!
@sam.the.psychic
Sam the Psychic (they/them)
Tarot Reader
Sam is an intuitive tarot reader, divination practitioner and multimedia artist. They use tarot as a tool for their spiritual practise and introspection, to provide grounded guidance. They run monthly tarot workshops at The Cat House, read regularly at queer markets and events, and also offer private reading sessions.
Affectionately named after their moniker, they are also founder of local film co-op Psychic Visions, and work freelance as a filmmaker and curator.