Is Anyone Else Gay AF in a City That Doesn't Know What to Do With Us?
I never planned to find myself in Sioux City, Iowa, but life has a way of surprising us. When I first moved here for that job at the community college, I wondered if I'd be the only queer person for miles. Spoiler alert: I'm not! But finding my people? That was another story entirely.
When the Corn Fields Outnumber the Rainbow Flags
Last summer, I walked into the only coffee shop downtown wearing my pride bracelet, hoping it might act as a beacon. The barista noticed, smiled knowingly, and slipped me a flyer for a small gathering at the riverfront park. That tiny interaction changed everything for me here.
- Dating apps showed the same five profiles for months
- The looks when holding hands with my date at the local diner
- Constantly explaining that my "roommate" is actually my partner
- Being asked which church might "accept people like me"
Finding Your Queer Joy in Unexpected Places
Here's what I've learned: queer community exists everywhere, even when it's not visible from the surface. Start by looking for those subtle signals – the small pride flag in a shop window, the inclusive language on a community board.
The Sioux City Public Library hosts a monthly book club that's become our unofficial gathering spot. The local arts center has surprisingly become our sanctuary. These spaces aren't explicitly queer, but we've claimed corners of them.
You're Not Alone Here
Your queerness is valid here in Sioux City, even when it feels like you're shouting into the void. The community might be smaller, more hidden, but we're here, creating magic in the margins.
Drop a comment about where you've found unexpected connection in your town. Our stories build bridges, even in places that seem too small to hold all of who we are.