Living My Truth: Finding Queer Joy in Big Sky Country
Have you ever wondered what it's like being queer in a place where the mountains are bigger than the dating pool? That's my everyday reality in Great Falls, Montana—where the Missouri River runs deep, but LGBTQ+ connections can feel shallow.
My Montana Story
When I moved to Great Falls three years ago, I counted more eagles than rainbow flags. The first winter, I spent more evenings with Netflix than with actual dates. Downtown's Celtic Cowboy became my second home—not because it was explicitly queer-friendly, but because the bartender never blinked when I mentioned my ex-girlfriend while the snow piled up outside.
The Small-Town Queer Shuffle
Let's be honest about the struggles:
- The Dating App Desert - When your dating radius needs to be 75+ miles, you're basically in a long-distance relationship before the first date
- The Coming Out Carousel - Having to come out repeatedly to new acquaintances, colleagues, and that chatty person at the Gibson Park farmers market
- The constant calculation of when and where it's safe to hold hands with someone you care about
Finding Your People
Despite these challenges, I've discovered beautiful pockets of acceptance:
- Look for subtle signals - businesses with small rainbow stickers or inclusive language
- Attend Great Falls LGBTQ+ Center events—even if you're nervous, just showing up is enough
- Create the spaces you wish existed—my monthly queer book club started with just three people!
Remember, your queerness doesn't need big city lights to shine. Sometimes the stars above Giant Springs are all the glitter you need.
What's your experience being queer in Montana? Share below—your story might be the lighthouse someone else is searching for tonight.