Finding Your Queer Family in New Britain: My Journey Home
Have you ever walked through downtown New Britain and wondered if you're the only queer person for miles? That overwhelming loneliness used to hit me every time I passed the empty storefronts near Central Park.
When Connecticut Feels Cold
Two years ago, I moved back to New Britain after college. The industrial charm that once felt suffocating now seemed beautiful, but I was terrified of being isolated. That first winter, I would bundle up and walk around the Little Poland neighborhood, admiring the warmth of families gathering while feeling distinctly outside looking in.
The Invisible Barriers
Let's be honest about the challenges:
- Dating apps show the same 10 people within a 30-mile radius
- Meeting someone at Trinity Bar only to discover they're visiting from Yale
- That awkward moment when you're not "out" at work but want to mention your partner
- Finding yourself the token queer friend in straight spaces
Creating Warmth in Small Spaces
What changed everything for me was stopping looking for a massive queer scene and starting to build small connections. The PRIDE committee at CCSU welcomes community members. The monthly potluck at the UU church became my sanctuary. Even the barista at Café Busy Bean who wears a tiny pride pin—these became my constellation of belonging.
Remember, queerness in small cities isn't about grand parades (though New Britain Pride is growing!). It's about the subtle nods, the knowing glances, the spaces where you can exhale fully.
You are not alone here. Our community exists in pockets throughout this beautiful, complicated city.
What spaces have you found that feel like home? Share below—your comment might be the lighthouse someone else needs to find their way.