Finding Your Rainbow in the Desert: My Queer Journey in Surprise, AZ
Have you ever felt like the only splash of color in a beige landscape? That was me three years ago when I first moved to Surprise, Arizona, wondering if I'd ever find my people in this sprawling Phoenix suburb.
My First Year in the Valley of the Sun
I still remember driving down Bell Road, the summer heat making the asphalt shimmer, wondering if I'd made a terrible mistake. The master-planned communities and strip malls didn't exactly scream "queer-friendly." Those first months, I'd drive 40 minutes to Phoenix just to sit in a coffee shop where I might see another rainbow pin or pride flag.
When Desert Life Gets Lonely
The isolation hit hardest during holidays when:
- Local gathering spaces felt heteronormative
- Dating apps showed matches 25+ miles away
- Making friends meant coming out repeatedly
- Finding affirming healthcare required extensive research
Creating Oasis Where There Was None
Eventually, I stopped waiting for community and started building it. I discovered that Surprise has hidden pockets of queer joy if you know where to look.
Start with virtual connections through local Facebook groups like "West Valley LGBTQ+" before venturing to in-person meetups. The library hosts inclusive book clubs, and some local coffee shops have become unofficial havens.
Remember, authenticity attracts authenticity. Being visibly yourself—even in small ways—draws others to you.
You Are Not Alone in Surprise
The desert teaches us that life thrives in unexpected places. Your queer family exists here too—we're just scattered like wildflowers after a rare desert rain.
What spaces have you carved out in unexpected places? Share your story below!