In Conversation With: Your Queer Celebrant

Celebrating love in all its forms is at the heart of what Divina, also known as “Your Queer Celebrant,” does. Inspired by her own experiences as a queer person of colour, she fills a vital role in the wedding industry by creating inclusive, meaningful ceremonies that honour each couple’s unique story. Her thoughtful approach ensures every wedding reflects the values, traditions, and love that define the people at its centre.

Interview Alexander Ross

“I became a celebrant because I was looking for a queer POC celebrant but couldn’t find one. I decided I was going to fill this role.”

What inspired you to become a celebrant, and how did you discover your calling in this role?

I had always said I would love to be a celebrant but I didn’t actually take this idea seriously until I begun planning my own wedding. I saw how difficult it was to find a queer POC celebrant who could truly understand and reflect the diverse experiences and identities of people like me.  To find someone who knew the importance of merging my familial culture and queer culture. I wanted to fill that gap and create a safe, inclusive space for couples to celebrate their love authentically.

Can you share a bit about what it means to you to be “Your Queer Celebrant” and how you approach inclusivity in your ceremonies?

I named my business ‘Your Queer Celebrant’ to make it clear that I’m not just queer-friendly but proudly queer myself. It’s important to me that all couples feel seen, respected, and celebrated, so inclusivity is at the heart of everything I do. I work closely with each couple to ensure their ceremony reflects their unique story and values, starting with a collaborative approach to planning. I always ask if there are any cultural or religious traditions they’d like to incorporate and take the time to research and consult to ensure these elements are approached with care and respect.

Inclusivity also means being mindful of language and representation. I never make assumptions about gender identity, and my inquiry form includes a section for pronouns to ensure everyone feels acknowledged and comfortable. 

My goal is to create a space where everyone feels celebrated for who they are, in every sense of the word.

What is the most rewarding part of creating meaningful ceremonies, especially for LGBTQ+ couples?

The most rewarding part of creating meaningful ceremonies, especially for LGBTQ+ couples, is the moment at the end when the couple is introduced to their loved ones for the first time as married. Seeing the pure joy on their faces, surrounded by the support and love of their community, is incredibly moving. It’s a privilege to be part of such a significant and affirming moment in their lives, knowing that the ceremony has honoured their love and identity in a meaningful way.

How do you go about personalising each ceremony to truly reflect the couple’s journey and values?

To personalise each ceremony, I take the time to really get to know the couple and their unique story. I ask lots of questions about how they met, their journey together, and the moments that have shaped their relationship. This helps me understand not only their story but also their values and what matters most to them. I also directly ask if there are any specific values, themes, or traditions they’d like to incorporate into the ceremony. I finish off by asking couples to provide me with the names of some loved ones I can get in contact with so I understand what the couple love about each other, and what people love about them. I think it’s a nice way of getting to know my couples on a deeper level and recognise that a successful marriage requires that life and support of their community.

Are there any life experiences or personal beliefs that shape your work as a celebrant?

My personal experiences as a queer person of colour have profoundly shaped my work as a celebrant. Having navigated my own wedding while balancing my identity and the challenges of a family with conservative values, I deeply understand the importance of creating a space where everyone feels respected and celebrated for who they are. With the queer community, marriages are filled with love, joy and celebration but they can also have a tinge of sadness. So I know exactly how important it is to recognise the support of our community and celebrate our journey to the altar. 

Additionally, having a trans wife, we had to carefully navigate the legal requirements of marriage while ensuring their identity was fully affirmed and respected throughout the process. This experience taught me how vital it is to strike that balance with care and compassion, and it’s a perspective I bring into my work with every couple.

Do you have a favourite story or memorable moment from a ceremony you’ve officiated that stands out?

One of the most touching ceremonies I’ve officiated was a wedding for a blended family. During the ceremony, one of the children was invited to share a few words, and she used the opportunity to publicly welcome the bride as her mum and as a part of their family. It was such a beautiful and emotional moment that had everyone in tears.

During that same wedding, while the bride was walking down the aisle, I could see the groom fidgeting and whispering in the corner of my eye. It turns out he decided last minute he was going to take his shoes and socks off and do the wedding barefoot. His loud whispering was his attempt to convince his son - who was his best man - to also take his shoes and socks off. He refused!

When you’re not celebrating love with couples, what brings you joy and balance in your life?

When I’m not celebrating love with couples, I spend as much time as I can with my wife, friends and family. I know it’s not the most creative answer but it’s true!

What do you hope couples remember most about you and the ceremony you create for them?

I hope couples remember me as someone who deeply cares about them and is genuinely invested in their happiness. I do my best to ensure I take stress off my couples, not add to it, so I hope couples remember me as someone who is easy to work and kept their day stress free. Most importantly, I hope they saw themselves fully reflected in the ceremony, knowing it was created with love and care to honour their unique journey and values.

Find Your Queer Celebrant online by CLICKING HERE or follow on Instagram at @your.queer.celebrant

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