# The joy of not fitting in | Andrew Hartman | TEDxUniversityofSaskatchewan Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BN7kudyGMcw Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/BN7kudyGMcw Generated: 2026-02-10T22:04:49.115+00:00 --- ## Quick Overview Andrew Hartman argues that finding "queer joy" comes from embracing what society deems as not fitting in, using his own experience of failing university and facing media backlash over a queer person losing a job due to sexuality as a catalyst for research that ultimately showed him the power of authentic self-expression and community affirmation. **Key Points:** - Hartman failed his first year of university 15 years ago because he didn't know how to learn with a disability and was marked as someone who didn't fit the model of success. - He shares the story of a queer person losing their job due to sexuality, which sparked outrage and headlines, but this individual's pain ultimately led to healing and connection for others. - Hartman's research focuses on "queer joy," which he defines as something relational, alive, rooted in authenticity, belonging, and collective affirmation, rather than just the absence of pain. - The existence of organizations like the International Court System's network, which supports queer individuals like drag performers, demonstrates active community building and fundraising efforts. - He relates his personal journey, including his involvement with drag king 'Slim Pickins,' as leading him toward understanding this collective joy and liberation found at the edges of societal norms. - Hartman concludes that when queer people show up as their authentic selves, it gives others permission to do the same, highlighting that being on the edge is a place of possibility, not shame. ![Screenshot at 00:02: Andrew Hartman begins his talk by sharing his personal history of failing university early in life because he didn't know how to learn, establishing the theme of not fitting societal molds.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/BN7kudyGMcw/00-00-02.jpg) **Context:** Andrew Hartman, a queer researcher and community builder, delivers a TEDx talk titled "The joy of not fitting in" at the TEDxUniversityofSaskatchewan event. He frames his discussion around the personal and collective experiences of queer individuals who face societal pressures and backlash for not conforming to traditional standards of success or identity, contrasting the pain of exclusion with the profound joy found in authentic self-expression and supportive community. ## Detailed Analysis Andrew Hartman opens his talk by recounting failing his first year of university 15 years prior because he struggled with learning disabilities and did not fit the conventional model of success, leading him to feel like he was on the edge. He connects this personal experience to the broader societal pressure on queer individuals, citing an instance where a queer person was fired for their sexuality, leading to media backlash, but whose experience ultimately resulted in healing for others. Hartman states his research focuses on "queer joy," which he discovered is not merely the absence of pain, but a vibrant, relational practice rooted in authenticity, belonging, and collective affirmation. He provides examples of queer joy in action, such as the International Court System network supporting queer and trans individuals, including drag performers, through fundraising and community building events like the annual ball hosted by the Regina Court. Hartman shares his own experience as a drag king named Slim Pickins, which provided him with a form of liberation. He emphasizes that the rules society imposes—on how people should look or love—can feel suffocating, but when queer individuals embrace their full, authentic selves, it grants permission for others to do the same, proving that being on the edge is a place of possibility and joy, not shame. ### Personal History and Context - Hartman recounts failing university due to learning disabilities and feeling like an outsider - He connects this to the broader struggle of queer individuals not fitting societal models of success and identity. ### Research Focus on Queer Joy - Joy is defined as relational, alive, rooted in authenticity, belonging, and collective affirmation, not just the absence of pain - He cites the example of a person fired for sexuality whose struggle led to healing for others. ### Community Support and Examples - Discusses the International Court System network funding initiatives for queer/trans youth and drag performers in Saskatchewan - Mentions his personal experience as drag king Slim Pickins. ### Conclusion and Call to Action - Societal rules about appearance and love are suffocating - Authentic self-expression on the edge creates possibility, collective joy, and gives others permission to be themselves. ![Screenshot at 00:02: Andrew Hartman begins his talk by sharing his personal history of failing university early in life because he didn't know how to learn, establishing the theme of not fitting societal molds.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/BN7kudyGMcw/00-00-02.jpg) ![Screenshot at 01:09: A childhood photo of Andrew Hartman is shown to illustrate his early self, whom he refers to as 'Little Andrew,' wrestling with fears of not fitting in.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/BN7kudyGMcw/00-01-09.jpg) ![Screenshot at 01:27: Hartman references the story of a queer person losing their job due to sexuality, noting the media backlash and ensuing damage.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/BN7kudyGMcw/00-01-27.jpg) ![Screenshot at 08:05: Hartman gestures broadly while describing queer joy as relational, alive, and rooted in authenticity, belonging, and collective affirmation.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/BN7kudyGMcw/00-08-05.jpg) ![Screenshot at 12:05: A dynamic photo of Hartman performing as drag king Slim Pickins at the Black Cat Tavern, illustrating an example of authentic, joyful expression.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/BN7kudyGMcw/00-12-05.jpg)