Finding My Rainbow in Meriden: A Journey of Queer Joy and Struggle
Have you ever felt like your true self was a secret you couldn't share with your hometown? That was me, five years ago, standing beneath Meriden's Castle Craig, wondering if there was space here for someone like me.
My Meriden Story
When I moved back to Meriden after college, I worried I'd have to shrink myself to fit in. The first time I walked into MCC's LGBTQ+ support group at the library, I was shaking. But instead of judgment, I found people who knew exactly what it meant to navigate Connecticut suburban life while being authentically queer.
When Connection Feels Impossible
Let's be real about the challenges:
- Dating apps show the same 12 people within a 30-mile radius
- Being the "token queer person" in social circles gets exhausting
- Winter isolation hits differently when you're questioning if you belong
- Finding queer-affirming healthcare feels like a treasure hunt
Creating Your Queer Oasis
What I've learned in my years here:
- The Hubbard Park pride picnics aren't advertised widely, but they happen monthly
- New Haven and Hartford's queer spaces are worth the short drive
- Our local coffee shops have become subtle havens for community
- Sometimes creating the space you need means becoming the organizer you wished for
Remember: your queerness doesn't diminish because you live in a smaller city. Your existence here makes Meriden more beautiful, more diverse, and more truly itself.
We're Here Together
How are you finding your way in Meriden? Share your favorite queer-friendly spaces below or connect with our meetup group. Your story matters to this community we're building together.