Finding My Rainbow in the Minnesota Snow: A Queer Journey in St. Cloud
Have you ever felt like the only splash of color in a world of white? That was me, three winters ago, stepping off the bus into the snow-covered streets of St. Cloud with nothing but two suitcases and a rainbow pin hidden inside my coat.
My St. Cloud Story
Coming from Minneapolis, I thought St. Cloud would be a temporary stop in my life - just long enough to finish my degree. The first month was lonely. I'd walk through campus scanning faces, wondering if anyone else was like me, hiding parts of themselves beneath winter layers. Then came that magical night at the White Horse bar when I stumbled upon their monthly queer mixer, and suddenly, I wasn't alone anymore.
The Invisible Tightrope
Being queer in smaller Midwest cities comes with unique challenges:
- The constant mental calculation of when to come out and when to stay quiet
- Dating pools that feel more like dating puddles
- Finding your community when there are fewer dedicated spaces
- Navigating the "only queer person in the room" syndrome
- Dealing with well-meaning but clueless questions
Building Your Chosen Family Here
What I've learned is that community exists, but sometimes we have to be archeologists of joy and dig for it:
- Check out SCSU's Pride organization - even if you're not a student, they often host public events
- The Quarry in downtown has monthly queer-centered nights
- Social media groups specific to Central Minnesota LGBTQ+ folks become lifelines
- Create the spaces you wish existed - my tiny book club started with just me and another person
Remember: Your quiet existence here matters. Every time you live authentically, you're carving space for others.
You're not as alone as the winter makes you feel. Behind those St. Cloud windows are others like you, warming their hands around mugs of courage.
Let's Connect
What's your St. Cloud story? What spaces have you found or created here? Share below and let's build this map together.