Queer Magick and Spirituality
Beyond the lit circle of mainstream cultures there are always those on the other side of the hedge…those who live beyond the normalized by virtue of who they are and what they do. In this shadow space LGBT people and Witches often find themselves together…and more often then not, find that we belong to both communities and have been both for a very long time. It is not an accident that Witches and LGBT people were prosecuted and persecuted together by the forces of the church in western culture…and by parallel institutions and social forces in other cultures as well. Today, in this time of increased visibility, we find that we are not only surviving but actually thriving…but we must remember that the forces that hate us are still at work in the world and we must maintain the ground we have won.
A Shared History of Marginalizations
For centuries, those accused of witchcraft were often outsiders—heretics, women and men and those who didn’t fit gender “norms”, anyone who defied patriarchal authority, healers, midwives, or simply people who lived differently. The persecution of “Witches” was intertwined with the systemic oppression of queer and gender non-conforming individuals. Antisemitism and other forms of hate and bigotry were often co-morbid with the virulent homophobia and misogyny.
A good resource, though it was written in the 70’s, is “Witchcraft and the Gay CounterCulture” by Arthur Evan’s. It is an excellent place to start to begin to understand the demonization of LGBT people along with “Witches” and why the culture was so interested in suppressing us.
Both groups have been demonized and made “other” by dominant religious institutions, labeled as immoral, unnatural, or dangerous. This shared history has created a fertile ground for solidarity. Witchcraft offers an organic spiritual framework that rejects the hierarchical, often oppressive norms of mainstream religion, making it an appealing sanctuary for many in the LGBT+ community.
Witch Spirituality as a Way of Reclaiming Power
Modern witchcraft, often embodied in practices such as Wicca, Paganism, Re-constructionist traditions or eclectic occult traditions, emphasizes personal autonomy, fluidity, and transformation. These are themes that deeply resonate with contemporary lived queer experiences. Witchcraft does not impose rigid dogma or binary structures—instead, it celebrates cycles, ambiguity, and nonconformity. Witchcraft and Paganism often focus on the experiential gnosis of the practitioner rather than adherence to a creed, book or set of doctrines.
For trans, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming individuals, magickal practices allow for the ritualistic reshaping of identity, the redefinition of self, and the sacred honoring of gender diversity. Many queer practitioners find healing in rituals that affirm their identities, whether through ancestral work, moon cycles, or divine archetypes and God forms that transcend gender binaries.
A word should be said about how there are some Re-constructionist Pagan traditions that do contain elements of historical misogyny, homophobia, transphobia and racism. So always be careful when researching and joining such groups. These teachings are wrong and immoral in every context and situation.
Gods and Goddesses and Divine Constructs Transcending “Gender”
One of the most compelling spiritual freedoms in witchcraft is the ability to interact with a diverse and fluid pantheon. Deities in many pagan and occult systems defy strict gender roles. From the androgynous Baphomet in occult symbology to gods like Loki who change gender, or goddesses like Hekate who stand at the crossroads of transformation, queer individuals find divine reflections of their own experiences. Another favorite of ours here at Witch Joseph is Tu’er Shen, a patron of LGBT people.
Even though many mainstream religions will state that “G-d” is beyond gender…it becomes apparent that this is not the belief of many followers when someone merely refers to God as “She”. Some of them go wild and become rabid at the suggestion…which only proves how deeply ingrained the gender roles are embedded in these power structures.
This theological fluidity of Witchcraft and Paganism stands in stark contrast to the rigid, binary-focused teachings of many organized religions. It provides LGBT+ practitioners with a sense of sacred legitimacy—something we are often denied elsewhere.
We often find Witchcraft circles and covens and communities foreshadowing where mainstream theologies and churches are headed…though we arrive at inclusion much faster than institutional authorities.
Community and Coven: Chosen Family in the Craft and Pagan Spiritual Cells
Coven life and witchcraft communities often operate as chosen families, an important concept in queer culture. For those rejected by biological families or disillusioned by conventional institutions, these spiritual communities offer a sense of belonging, affirmation, and shared purpose.
Online and in-person, there are now thriving queer-centered witchcraft spaces—Discord servers, queer covens, TikTok witches, and public rituals that celebrate Pride through magical lenses. Our communities empower queer individuals to claim space, visibility, and spiritual authority…and allow us to find belonging in units of our own choosing.
Resistance and Activism as Magickal Practice
Witchcraft has always been inherently political. From the feminist witches of the 1970s to modern-day spell work and magick against injustice, the craft often serves as a tool for resistance. Queer witches cast spells for protection, justice, and liberation. In a world where our rights are still under attack, the ability to create spiritual armor through intention and ritual becomes an act of defiance. There are whole traditions in Witchcraft that revolve around these principles…such as the California based “Reclaiming Tradition.”
Another excellent resource is the book “Blossom of Bone-Reclaiming the Connections between Homoeroticism and the Sacred.” By Randy P. Conner.
One of the greatest magickal acts we can perform as LGBT+ Witches and Pagans is by living our lives, where possible openly and authentically with Pride. LGBT+ Pride isn’t just a month out of the year…it becomes every day for us.
The Future is Magickal and Queer
Despite current setbacks, in some places, we continue moving towards a time where both witchcraft and queerness are gaining visibility and acceptance. The intersection of our communities continues to grow richer and more vibrant. The blending of magickal practice with queer identity is more than surface and aesthetic—it is a powerful expression of deep autonomy, creativity, and sacred defiance.
In reclaiming the word “witch” and celebrating queer identity, practitioners are not only honoring ancient wisdom—they’re also casting new spells for a future where all are seen, heard, and celebrated.
We here at Witch Joseph are proudly LGBT+ owned and operated and we take great care to create and curate items that will help to promote the creativity, empowerment and liberation of all Witches and LGBT+ persons. Happy Pride Month and may Homophobia/Transphobia and all forms of hate and bigotry be banished from every heart and mind on earth.