Finding My Rainbow in Orange County: A Queer Journey in Placentia
Have you ever felt like you're the only queer person for miles around in suburban Southern California? That was me three years ago when I first moved to Placentia, wondering if I'd made a terrible mistake.
My Placentia Story
The shadow of Disneyland looms large here, but beneath the palm trees and planned communities, I discovered a vibrant undercurrent of queer life. From finding chosen family at the tiny coffee shop on Bradford Avenue to unexpectedly running into three other lesbians at the Placentia Heritage Festival (we now have a monthly book club!), this city surprised me in the most wonderful ways.
When It Gets Hard
Let's be real though—it's not always rainbow flags and pride parades. The challenges here are unique:
- Dating apps show matches 40+ miles away in WeHo or Long Beach
- Finding queer-friendly spaces requires detective skills
- Explaining to well-meaning neighbors that my "roommate" is actually my partner
- Navigating family-oriented community events as a visibly queer person
Creating Your Queer Oasis
Here's what's worked for me in building community:
- Connect with the LGBTQ+ Center OC in Santa Ana
- Join Meetup groups that span Orange County
- Become a regular somewhere—visibility creates community
- Look for subtle pride flags in local businesses
- Create the spaces you wish existed (like our queer hiking group!)
Remember, your existence here matters. Every time you live authentically in Placentia, you make it easier for another queer person to find home here too.
What's your experience been like in Orange County? Share below—I'd love to connect with more queer folks in our corner of SoCal!