What is a Juggalo? It’s a question I’m asked often following my 2021 series Juggalos in Love. It’s also the title of a song from the 1997 album “The Great Milinko” by the Insane Clown Posse, aka ICP. With typical ICP flair, vulgarity, and humor, the song attempts to answer the question but struggles to pin down a precise definition. An early attempt in the first chorus essentially responds “it is what it is” before acknowledging the fruitlessness of trying to define such an indescribable ethos.

“What is a juggalo?
A juggalo
That's what it is
Well, fuck, if I know
What is a juggalo?
I don't know
But I'm down with the clown
And I'm down for life, yo

Later in the song, in much more colorful and occasionally offensive language, the horror rap duo describes Juggalos as unapologetically obnoxious, frequently inebriated pranksters with an outsized passion for life. At least that’s my takeaway. And after spending my second year at the Gathering of the Juggalos, a carnival of debauchery, music, obnoxiousness, love, and unbridled expression, I’m more positive than ever that America could learn a lot from The Gathering.

Sure, it’s vulgar, offensive, and degrading, but it’s also inclusive, supportive, and compassionate. Outsiders mostly see the spectacle of The Gathering. And to be fair, there’s a lot of spectacle — from guys volunteering to be human dartboards to a Faygo-fueled wet t-shirt contest. Many of ICP’s lyrics are also dark, frequently referencing violence and murder. So while The Gathering welcomes all — it’s probably not for everyone. But for those who do come, it’s a respite from the strict confines and sideward glances of the outside world. It’s a hedonistic paradise where anything goes and nobody’s judged. It’s a four day primal scream that combines elements from a carnival sideshow, comment board trolls, and a church revival. And it’s one big chosen family where almost anyone is accepted, no questions asked, for exactly who they are.

It’s this radical acceptance that draws Juggalos from the furthest corners of the country to rural Ohio. Once here, folx are free to express themselves however they see fit. Unique genre-blurring clothing styles combine with colorful hair and clown-inspired face paint. Outfits pull inspiration from a wide array of genres; punk, goth, anime, metal, old school hip hop, and even the Grateful Dead. Here, people are celebrated for their individuality instead of being made to feel like they don’t fit into a predetermined category.

In recent years, more and more LGBTQ folx have joined the Juggalo family. For many, the love and support they’ve found has been a welcome embrace at a time when the laws in some states have become more hostile towards them. For some queer Juggalos, the support and acceptance they feel at The Gathering is not a surprise, it’s the draw. It also has folx both within and outside of the Juggalo community asking what it says about America that the Gathering of the Juggalos is a safer, more welcoming place than wide swaths of this country.

Like any Utopia, it’s bound to fall short of perfection. In an anything goes environment, some will inevitably go too far. When that happens, people can get hurt. Juggalos have overdosed, fights have broken out, performers have had things thrown at them. The self governing spirit of The Gathering ensures way fewer injuries and problems than you would expect. When someone falls down in the mosh pit, multiple hands are offered to help them up. If someone finds themselves low on money, there are countless Juggalos who will offer them food, water, a place to sleep, even a spare seat in their car to get home at the end. It takes a village — and that’s what The Gathering is, a village for the chosen family of Juggalos.

It’s also a hell of a good time.

Scroll on down for a glimpse into the madness, merriment, and mischief of the 2023, 2022, and the 2021 Gathering of the Juggalos. And if you can’t get enough, head over to my series Juggalos in Love.