Ariel Cronin is a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) student specialising in Psychology at Massey University. Her honours project is looking at the elicitation of queer joy and how the rainbow community experiences positive emotions associated with identity. Alongside her academic pursuits, she tours internationally as a full-time circus artist. Ariel is the founder and director of Manubrium Circus - a pioneering queer company that uses circus-theater to foster open conversations about mental health. Additionally, she serves as the festival curator for Circus in the Square, an event that celebrates and uplifts young performers, queer artists, and promotes inclusivity by showcasing the talents of circus artists with disabilities.