Brave Spaces (link)
At Joy Hertz, we walk with our community—especially on the days that feel hardest. We understand that finding others who truly recognize and relate to the complexity of self-injury and suicide is rare, and often life-changing. Our Brave Spaces programming (link) exists to offer that unique connection: consistent, compassionate, and judgment-free.
This programming offers structured, intentional peer support by/for/with those of us within the LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent communities who are personally impacted by self-injury and suicide. These sessions aren’t about fixing anyone. They’re about being with each other—courageously, authentically, and with empathy.
- Alternatives to Suicide Peer Support Meetings – Joy Hertz holds space for those of us who personally live with the impacts of self-injury and suicide. These peer-guided sessions follow the Alternatives to Suicide (Alt2Su) model (link) and focus on community-based healing through the sharing of our personal lived experience. We meet weekly on Thursdays in south east Denver.
Self-Expression
Healing doesn’t always need words. Through monthly offerings in art, mindfulness, and movement, we will explore expression as a path to presence. This programming will be by/for/with those of us within the LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent communities and will be centered on self-discovery and fostering connection within our community.
At Joy Hertz, we believe that self-expression is an act of self-care—sometimes, it’s a way to come back to ourselves when everything feels too heavy. Self-expression doesn’t need to conform to any ideals, or even make sense, it just needs room to develop and be witnessed. Joy Hertz will offer opportunities to explore our healing through creativity, connection, mindfulness, and movement.
- Creativity – Led by local artists, Joy Hertz creativity sessions will be focused on play, discovery, and using our bodies and spirits to say what words can’t. Everyone is welcome—no experience required.
- Connection – Joy Hertz will gather as a community to celebrate the simple, radical act of surviving ourselves. These events are joyful, grounding, and rooted in collective belonging.
- Mindfulness – Meditation and grounding practices give us tools to self-soothe and regulate with intention. These sessions will offer a space to pause, breathe, and gently return to ourselves.
- Movement – Joy Hertz’ dance and yoga sessions will invite our community to move through emotion and explore embodiment. Every shape, size, and experience level is welcome.
Bodily Agency/Safe alternatives
Self-injury so often begins as a means to cope, continues as a silent, lonely cycle, and too often ends in suicide. Our aim is to have the Joy Hertz studio offer flash tattoos and body piercings that are accessible and affordable alternatives to self-injury.
At Joy Hertz, we believe that reclaiming agency over our bodies is a vital step in surviving ourselves. Our studio will be intentionally designed to be accessible and inviting – a place to feel fully supported and seen. It’s a space where body modifications aren’t just art or adornment, but acts of self-actualization, healing, and renewal.
- Tattoos – Initially, we’ll offer walk-in flash tattoos, with designs updated monthly and tailored to our community. Our flash options will vary in style and price, ensuring both aesthetic and financial accessibility.
- Piercings – Over time, Joy Hertz will also offer professional body piercings, including gender affirming options, that are grounded in safety, agency, and care.