Ever wondered what it's like being your whole self in a city just north of the Bronx?
The first time I walked down Gramatan Avenue with my partner, our fingers intertwined, I felt both terrified and exhilarated. Mount Vernon—this beautiful patchwork of neighborhoods—has been my home for three years now. The community gardens in the south side became my sanctuary, especially the one near Hartley Park where an elderly woman with kind eyes handed me tomatoes and said, "You two make a lovely couple."
When Connection Feels Impossible
Finding your people isn't always straightforward here. Between working in the city and navigating suburban queer life, I've faced:
- The awkward "Is this a queer-friendly space?" mental calculations every time I enter a new coffee shop
- Dating apps that barely acknowledge Mount Vernon exists (hello, being lumped into "Greater NYC")
- Explaining to NYC friends that yes, queer life exists north of the Bronx
Creating Your Constellation
What's worked for me might work for you too:
- The LGBTQ+ center in neighboring New Rochelle hosts monthly mixers
- Our Tuesday book club at Fleetwood Library started with just me and two others—now we're twelve strong
- Finding allies matters—the barista at Landmark Coffee who puts up small pride flags year-round has connected more queer folks than any app
Those nights when I felt like the only queer person for miles? They still happen. But remember: we're like stars—sometimes hard to see individually, but together we form constellations across this city.
What's your Mount Vernon experience been like? Share below—your story might be the lighthouse guiding someone else home.