Anyone Else Feel More Gay When It Snows in DeKalb?
Yesterday I watched the first snowfall of the season from my window at NIU, wrapped in a rainbow blanket my mom shipped after I came out. That blanket has witnessed more of my DeKalb queer journey than most humans have!
Finding My People in Cornfield Country
When I first moved to DeKalb, I was terrified I'd be the only queer person for miles. I spent my first semester hiding in my dorm, watching other students find their groups while I stayed silent about my identity. Then I accidentally wore my pride pin to the Ellwood Starbucks and the barista with the green hair whispered, "We meet Thursdays at the Holmes Center." That simple moment changed everything.
The Invisible Hurdles
Let's be honest about the challenges here:
- Dating apps show the same 12 people in a 50-mile radius
- That awkward "are they queer or just alternative?" guessing game
- Having to drive to Chicago for decent community events
- Explaining to family why you'd choose to stay in DeKalb after graduation
Creating Queer Joy Anyway
What's worked for me and might help you:
- Microcommunitites matter - Our tiny book club at Common Grounds has become my chosen family
- Taking the first step to organize what you wish existed
- Being visible (safely) creates ripple effects
- Connecting with NIU resources even if you're not a student
Remember, there's something powerful about being queer in smaller spaces. Your visibility here matters more than being just another queer person in Boystown. Your existence in DeKalb is literally creating possibility for someone else.
What's your DeKalb queer experience been like? Drop it below - let's create the map we wish we'd had when we arrived.