Finding My Rainbow in Savannah's Spanish Moss
Have you ever felt like the most authentic version of yourself was trapped behind layers of expectation, like spanish moss veiling your truth? That was me, three years ago, stepping off the bus into Savannah's humid embrace.
Blossoming in the Hostess City
I moved to Savannah with nothing but two suitcases and a heart full of uncertainty. The historic squares became my thinking spots, where I'd sit beneath century-old oaks contemplating who I truly was. It wasn't until I wandered into a tiny bookstore off Broughton Street and spotted a Pride flag in the window that something clicked. The owner, a silver-haired lesbian named Margaret who'd been here since the 70s, simply said, "Welcome home, honey."
When Southern Hospitality Meets Southern Hesitancy
Finding community here hasn't been without challenges:
- Dating apps show the same 15 people over and over (and yes, somehow we've all dated each other)
- Navigating the delicate balance between queer spaces and traditional southern settings
- Finding friends who understand the intersection of southern identity and queerness
Creating Your Chosen Family Here
What I've learned works best:
- The First Friday art walks in Starland District attract our community naturally
- Volunteer with Savannah Pride—instant connections guaranteed
- Be the gatherer—host small, authentic potlucks that grow organically
Remember, your queerness doesn't need to compete with your love for sweet tea and "yes ma'am"—they can beautifully coexist.
Y'all, whatever part of your journey you're on, know that between the azaleas and historic homes, there's a vibrant queer community waiting to embrace you just as you are.
What's your Savannah story? Share below—this space is for all of us.