Finding Queer Joy in Suburban Chicago: My Berwyn Story
Have you ever felt like you're the only queer person in your neighborhood? That was me three years ago when I moved to Berwyn, Illinois—a charming suburb just west of Chicago that I had no idea would become my chosen home.
My Berwyn Beginning
The first time I walked down Oak Park Avenue with my pride pin clearly visible, I braced myself for stares. Instead, an elderly woman stopped me to compliment it and tell me about her lesbian granddaughter. That moment was the first hint that Berwyn held more acceptance than I'd expected from a suburb with tidy bungalows and family-centered communities.
When Finding Your People Feels Impossible
Let's be honest about the struggles, though:
- Dating apps showing matches 30+ minutes away
- The exhausting "am I the only queer person at this coffee shop?" feeling
- Explaining to Chicago friends why you don't live in Andersonville or Boystown
- Finding queer-friendly spaces without rainbow flags clearly marking them
Creating Queer Community in Unexpected Places
What worked for me was starting small. I joined the Berwyn library's book club and gently steered one month's selection toward a queer author. Five people approached me afterward, and our own informal LGBTQ+ social group was born. Now we meet monthly at Lavergne's Tavern!
Remember, suburban queer joy exists—sometimes it's just waiting for you to help cultivate it. You're never truly alone, even when it feels that way in the quieter corners of Chicagoland.
How are you creating or finding community where you live? Share your suburban queer stories below—your comment might help someone feel less alone tonight.