Finding My Rainbow in Florissant: A Queer Journey in Small-Town Missouri
Have you ever felt like you're the only queer person for miles around? That was me three years ago when I moved to Florissant, trading the bustling queer neighborhoods of Chicago for the quiet suburbs of North County.
My Florissant Story
I arrived in spring, when the dogwoods were blooming along Old Town's historic streets. My partner had gotten a job at Boeing, and I followed with equal parts excitement and trepidation. Those first months were lonely. I'd walk through St. Ferdinand Park wondering if there were others like me, hidden in plain sight among the Saturday picnickers and weekday joggers.
The Invisible Us
Finding community here came with unique challenges:
- The absence of visible queer spaces made meeting others difficult
- Well-meaning neighbors who assumed my "roommate" was just that
- The subtle code-switching at work functions and community events
- Feeling caught between authenticity and safety in public spaces
Building Queer Joy in Unexpected Places
What changed everything was realizing I wasn't alone in my search for connection. Here's what helped:
- Finding the STL Queer Exchange Facebook group led me to a monthly meetup in Ferguson
- Starting a tiny book club that grew into a chosen family
- Discovering allies at the Florissant Valley Library who helped us host events
- Learning that visibility sometimes starts with one person being brave
Remember, your queerness doesn't diminish in places without rainbow flags. Sometimes building community means becoming the beacon you've been searching for.
How are you creating space for yourself where you live? Share your story below—I promise someone needs to hear it.