Finding Queer Joy in Suburban Georgia: My Unexpected Roswell Love Story
Have you ever felt like a rainbow fish swimming in a sea of khaki? That's exactly how I felt when I first moved to Roswell, Georgia three years ago—convinced I'd made a terrible mistake trading Atlanta's vibrant queer scene for suburban life.
My Roswell Reality Check
I still remember that first weekend, wandering around Canton Street alone, watching happy couples and families everywhere while feeling completely invisible. I'd duck into coffee shops hoping to spot just one other queer person who might make me feel less alone in this new place. The pride pin on my bag felt like it was screaming in a library.
The Struggle Is Real (But Temporary)
Finding community as a queer person in suburban spaces comes with unique challenges:
- Dating apps show the same 10 profiles within a 20-mile radius
- Constantly calculating when/where it's safe to be visibly queer
- Explaining to well-meaning neighbors that your "roommate" is actually your partner
- Feeling isolated during local events that seem designed exclusively for straight families
How I Found My People
The turning point came when I stopped waiting for community to find me and started creating it instead:
- I joined the Roswell Pride planning committee (yes, it exists!)
- Started a monthly queer book club at Roswell Provisions
- Connected with the North Fulton PFLAG chapter
- Made myself a regular at Crazy Love Coffee House
The beautiful truth? Queer community exists everywhere—sometimes we just need to be brave enough to help it bloom.