Ever wondered why finding queer community feels so much harder in smaller cities?
I still remember my first winter in Boulder—snowcapped mountains creating this picture-perfect backdrop while I sat in a coffee shop scrolling through dating apps with exactly three other queer people within a 50-mile radius. Not exactly the rainbow-filled Colorado dream I had imagined!
My Colorado Queer Journey
Moving from Chicago to Colorado four years ago was a massive adjustment. The outdoors were incredible, the air was cleaner, but my vibrant queer social life? Completely vanished. I spent months hiking alone (gorgeous, but lonely) before finally stumbling upon a tiny queer book club that changed everything.
The Mountain-Sized Challenges We Face
Let's be real about the struggles:
- Dating pools smaller than some mountain lakes
- The constant "am I the only queer person in this entire town?" feeling
- Finding spaces that aren't just gay bars (some of us don't drink!)
- That awkward "I think they might be queer but I'm not sure" dance
- Explaining your pronouns. Again. And again.
Creating Your Own Queer Oasis
After years of trial and error, I've learned that thriving here means:
- Start something yourself - My tiny book club now has 30+ members
- Connect with Colorado's incredible outdoor queer groups
- Be patient and open with new connections
- Venture to Denver for bigger events, bring those connections back
- Embrace virtual communities when local ones aren't enough
Remember, there's no single "right way" to be queer in Colorado. Your journey might look different than mine, and that's beautiful too.
I see you trying to carve out your space here. It gets easier, I promise. The community might be smaller, but what we lack in numbers we make up for in genuine connection.
What's your experience been like? Have you found your people yet? Share your story below—someone else might be looking for exactly the community you're creating.