Finding My Rainbow in the Most Unexpected Places
Have you ever felt like you're the only queer person in your town? That was me three years ago when I first moved to Methuen, Massachusetts—a place where I knew absolutely no one and had no idea where to find my people.
My Methuen Journey
I remember walking through Greycourt Park on a crisp fall day, leaves crunching beneath my feet, wondering if I'd ever find connection here. The historic buildings were beautiful, but I longed for more than architecture—I needed community. Downtown Methuen seemed charming but straight-passing, and I questioned if I'd made a mistake moving here.
When Being Queer Feels Isolating
The struggles were real:
- Dating apps showed matches 30+ miles away in Boston
- No visible LGBTQ+ spaces to gather
- The constant "Are you the only one here?" feeling
- Explaining pronouns at every new encounter
Finding Your People in Unexpected Places
But here's what I discovered—community wasn't where I expected it. It was:
- The barista at Heav'nly Donuts who noticed my pride pin and introduced me to her queer book club
- The seemingly quiet library that hosts monthly LGBTQ+ movie nights
- The Methuen PFLAG chapter that meets in the Unitarian church
- Online groups specifically for Merrimack Valley queer folks
You Are Not Alone Here
The beautiful truth? We're here in Methuen—sometimes quiet, sometimes hidden, but absolutely present. Your queerness may feel isolating in smaller cities, but that doesn't mean you're truly alone.
How did you find your community where you live? Share below—your story might be the lighthouse someone else needs right now.