Is it just me, or does finding queer community in small cities feel like searching for a unicorn?
The first time I wandered into Wolverine Farm in Old Town Fort Collins, I wasn't expecting to find my people. There I was, nervously clutching my coffee, rainbow pin barely visible on my jacket, when I overheard two folks discussing the latest episode of a queer podcast I'd been obsessing over.
Life as a Queer Person in FoCo Has Its Moments
Between hiking Horsetooth, attending CSU events, and exploring the breweries along College Avenue, Fort Collins has given me space to breathe. But let's be real about something:
- Dating apps here show the same 20 people in rotation
- The queer spaces are limited compared to Denver
- Sometimes it feels like everyone already knows each other
- Winter isolation hits differently when you're questioning if you belong
Finding Your People Takes Creativity
What worked for me might work for you. The NoCo Equality events became my lifeline. I started volunteering at Pride events rather than just attending. The Lyric Cinema's queer film nights introduced me to folks who shared my love for obscure documentaries.
Remember that belonging takes time. Your queer family in Fort Collins exists—we're just scattered like beautiful confetti across breweries, bookshops, and hiking trails, waiting to connect.
Drop a comment about where you've found community here! Or better yet, let's organize a coffee meetup next week. You're never as alone as the Colorado winter might make you feel. We're here, we're queer, and we're definitely in Fort Collins.