Finding My Rainbow in the First State - A Queer Journey in Delaware
Have you ever felt like you're the only queer person in a small town, scanning faces at the grocery store hoping to spot just ONE other person like you? That was me when I first moved to Delaware.
My Delaware Story
When I arrived in Rehoboth Beach three years ago, I expected the known LGBTQ+ haven to immediately feel like home. Instead, I spent my first winter feeling isolated, watching the tourist season fade along with my hopes of community. I'd walk along the empty boardwalk, wondering if I'd made a terrible mistake leaving my vibrant queer community in Philadelphia behind.
The Struggle Is Real
Making meaningful connections as a queer person in smaller communities comes with unique challenges:
- The dating pool feels microscopic (I've definitely seen the same 12 profiles cycle through dating apps for months)
- Finding authentic queer spaces beyond bars can seem impossible
- Seasonal communities mean friendships can feel temporary
- Being both visible and safe requires constant energy
What Actually Worked For Me
The turning point wasn't finding the perfect queer utopia—it was building my own community piece by piece:
- Becoming a regular at CAMP Rehoboth events, even when I felt awkward at first
- Starting a queer book club that now meets monthly at Browseabout Books
- Finding online Delaware queer groups that organized low-key meetups
- Accepting that meaningful community takes time to cultivate
Remember, your queer experience is valid whether you're surrounded by community or still searching. The Delaware queer family exists—we're just scattered like seashells along the shore, waiting to be collected into something beautiful.
What's your experience being queer in Delaware? Share below—your story might be exactly what someone else needs to hear today. 💙