Finding My Rainbow in Ormond Beach: A Queer Journey of Belonging
Have you ever felt like a vibrant sunset on a beach where everyone else is only looking at their phones? That was me three years ago when I first moved to Ormond Beach as an openly queer person.
My Coastal Coming Out
The salt air of Ormond Beach became my confidant as I navigated this new chapter. I remember sitting by the shore at sunrise, watching the Atlantic waves crash while wondering if this small Florida coastal town would ever feel like home. The first time I spotted a tiny rainbow flag in a local coffee shop window, I nearly cried into my cold brew – a simple sign that maybe, just maybe, I wasn't alone here.
When the Tide Feels Against You
Let's be honest about the struggles:
- Dating apps that show the same 12 people within a 50-mile radius
- The well-meaning but awkward "You're the first gay person I've met here!" conversations
- Navigating which spaces are truly welcoming versus performatively inclusive
- Finding queer friends when everyone seems to be passing through on vacation
Creating Your Own Current
What I've learned is that sometimes we need to be the change we seek. I started hosting monthly beach cleanups that secretly doubled as queer meetups. Now we have a thriving little community! Consider starting small:
- Reach out to Daytona's LGBTQ+ groups – they're not far and always welcoming
- Check out the Queer Book Club at the library (yes, it exists!)
- Become a regular somewhere – visibility matters in small towns
Remember, your queerness doesn't dim in smaller communities – sometimes it shines even brighter against the backdrop. You're carrying forward a legacy of those who made space where there was none.
What's your Ormond Beach story? Share below – this thread is now our digital campfire, and everyone's welcome to gather around.