Finding My Rainbow in Waukegan: A Queer Journey by the Lake
Have you ever felt like you're the only queer person in your entire town? That was me three years ago, standing by Lake Michigan in Waukegan, wondering if I'd ever find my community in this mid-sized Illinois city.
My Waukegan Story
When I moved to Waukegan for work, I was immediately charmed by the lakefront, the historic downtown, and the diverse community. But as a queer person, I felt invisible. Walking through Bowen Park or along Genesee Street, I wondered if there were others like me hidden in plain sight.
The Struggle Is Real
Let's be honest about the challenges:
- Dating apps showed the nearest queer folks were all the way in Chicago
- Local spaces didn't explicitly feel welcoming to LGBTQ+ people
- Making queer friends meant constantly coming out to potential allies
- Experiencing those subtle microaggressions at local businesses
Finding Your People
It took time, but I discovered beautiful pockets of queer community here:
- Check out the LGBTQ+ group that meets monthly at the Waukegan Public Library
- Visit Three Brothers Theatre which hosts inclusive events
- Join the Lake County Pride organization's activities
- Look for rainbow flags in windows—those businesses are often safe spaces
Remember, your queerness is valid here, even when it feels lonely. Our small but mighty community exists in Waukegan—sometimes you just need to know where to look.
Have you found your queer family in Waukegan yet? Share your experiences below or DM me for local meetup details. You're not walking this lakefront alone. ❤️