Ever Felt Like the Only Rainbow in the Desert Sky?
That moment when you're standing in the middle of Highland, wondering if you're the only queer person for miles... I remember walking through Highland Community Park last summer, decked out in my favorite pride shirt, searching for any glimpse of found family among the suburban landscape.
My Highland Reality
Three years ago, I moved to Highland from San Francisco for work. Talk about culture shock! The first month, I'd drive to my little rental near Central Avenue, passing church after church, wondering if I'd made a terrible mistake. Where were my people? The coffee shop near the Highland Avenue shopping center became my sanctuary—not because it was explicitly queer-friendly, but because the barista with the side-shave would give me a knowing nod.
The Invisible Tightrope We Walk
Let's be honest about the struggles:
- Dating apps show matches 40+ miles away (hello, Palm Springs pilgrimage!)
- Coming out repeatedly to new neighbors who assume your "roommate" is just a roommate
- Finding safe spaces when there's no dedicated queer venue in town
- Balancing authenticity with safety in more conservative spaces
Creating Your Highland Queer Oasis
I've learned that queer community exists here—it's just quieter. Start with:
- The monthly LGBTQ+ meetup at Aurantia Park (first Saturday, 4pm)
- Joining the Inland Empire Pride online groups
- Making the occasional trip to Redlands or Riverside for their queer nights
- Converting allies into accomplices through genuine conversation
Remember, your queerness makes Highland more interesting, more diverse, more alive. You're not just surviving here—you're helping transform it, one authentic interaction at a time.
What's your Highland experience been like? Share below and let's build our map of queer-friendly spots together! 🌈✨