Maybe it is more than an instance. Maybe it is an idea, a world-historical vanguard, light itself. 
actual attempt to answer (cringe)
We’ve been around for three years on a lemmy fork before federation. The lack of federation for years as well as the place we splintered off from (/r/chapotraphouse) already having a unique microculture within Reddit has given this instance, in my opinion, a distinct culture compared to general-purpose and even other hobbyist instances.
Regarding specifics, Hexbear is a vehemently queer-friendly/intersectional anti-sectarian socialist instance. Check us out 
I'm on lemmy far too much. I've noticed that exactly zero people from this instance has ever tried to argue with me or make any dumbass "actually" comments picking apart something I've said for no reason.
I've also gotten into multiple conversations with people here that cracked me up and made my night.
Thumbs up
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Fine. You convinced me.
Oh look, the emotes aren't ten stories high over here!
The list of emotes are.
Welcome comrade
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One of us one of us
now you get to join the rest of us in never being able to find emotes amongst the uncountably infinite images.
Wouldn't it be funny if someone had absolutely no idea how to access all those emotes? Lol. What would you even tell them so they could figure it out? That would be hilarious!
Cough
if you know the approximate name for something you want, you can start typing :name and you'll see a dropdown with the emotes that match. if you have no clue, you can click the little emoji icon just above the post box, scroll down past the standard emoji, and browse the emotes by category.
Swweet! Thanks!
Your journey has begun
That would be almost as embaressing as somebody who hasn't figured out how to get back to a specific reply to a comment in the thread from your inbox.
Witness
UNLIMITED POWER
https://hexbear.net/post/335326?scrollToComments=false
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I've been considering it
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Damb, we're slacking guys!
Sorry to bring the party down. But your mom's a nice lady, and your father loves you.
unfortunately untrue but I appreciate the sentiment
...damb
damb!
I actually kind of love this thanks.
gotta give attribution where it's due
If you ever wish for that, make sure to leave a comment bashing China! We'll make sure to get some feral hogs in that inbox STAT.
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Yeah well, you're a secret vegan!
POW!
spelling? incoherent idealism. grammar?
I support anyone whose posts I can comprehend and most of those I can't.
🥰
I fear you
Well actually, have you considered I'm doing it right now?