Finding Queer Joy in Suburban Colorado
Have you ever felt like the only rainbow in a beige suburban landscape? That was me three years ago when I first moved to Commerce City, looking out my window at rows of similar houses, wondering where my people were.
My Commerce City Story
I still remember that first winter here - new job at the refinery, new apartment near the Wildlife Refuge, and absolutely zero queer connections. The sprawling neighborhoods and strip malls felt worlds away from Denver's vibrant queer scenes. I'd drive home past Prairie Highlands, wondering if I'd made a terrible mistake choosing affordable housing over community.
The Invisible Tightrope We Walk
Let's be honest about the challenges:
- That constant calculation about when/how to come out to neighbors
- Dating apps where everyone seems to be 30 minutes away minimum
- The subtle code-switching at local businesses
- Feeling both hypervisible and completely unseen
Creating Queer Space Where You Are
What changed everything was stopping waiting for community to find me. Instead:
- I started a monthly potluck at Fronterra Park that grew from 3 to 23 people
- Found queer-friendly spaces like that one coffee shop by the shopping center
- Connected with other "suburb queers" through regional Facebook groups
- Volunteered with youth programs, meeting other queer adults
The suburb hasn't changed, but my relationship to it has. Community wasn't missing - it was just waiting to be uncovered.
You Are Not Alone Here
Whatever brought you to Commerce City - affordability, work, family - know that there's a constellation of us out here, finding each other slowly but surely.
Drop a comment if you're nearby! How did you find your people in unexpected places?