Finding My Queer Joy in Cornfield Country
Ever wondered what it's like being the only person with a Pride flag in a sea of cornfields? That was me three years ago when I moved to Bloomington, Illinois—terrified, closeted, and convinced I'd made a terrible mistake.
My Bloomington Beginning
I remember that first week vividly—unpacking boxes in my downtown apartment while watching students from ISU walk past my window. The midwestern politeness was real, but so was my anxiety. Would I find my people here? Then came that magical Thursday when I stumbled into The Bistro downtown and discovered Bloomington's vibrant queer underground.
When Dating Apps Show the Same 12 People
Let's talk about the unique struggle of queer dating in a smaller city:
- That moment when you've swiped through literally everyone in a 50-mile radius
- Running into your ex at every single queer event (because there are only three annually)
- The "Are they queer or just alternative?" constant guessing game
Creating Space Where None Exists
What saved me wasn't waiting for perfect circumstances, but making them happen. Start small:
- The downtown coffee shops have become unofficial queer meetups on Sunday mornings
- ISU's Pride groups welcome community members, not just students
- Creating group chats that turned into monthly potlucks and genuine friendships
Remember, your queerness doesn't diminish because your location lacks a dedicated scene. Sometimes we become the community we're seeking.
Feeling alone here doesn't mean you are alone. We're scattered, but we're here—behind coffee counters, teaching classes, or shopping at the farmers market just like you.
Drop a comment about your small-city queer experience. Are you in Bloomington too? Let's connect!