Ever Wondered What It's Like Being Queer in a Southern Small Town?
The first time I walked into Burlington's only LGBTQ+ friendly café, I felt my shoulders drop about three inches. After months of carefully monitoring my pronouns and partner references in public, finding this tiny rainbow-flagged corner of North Carolina felt like finally exhaling.
My Burlington Story
When I moved to Burlington two years ago for that teaching position at Elon, I wasn't expecting to find community so quickly. Between the historic textile mills and the church-dotted landscape, I worried I'd have to drive to Greensboro or Chapel Hill just to be my authentic self. I was wrong in the most beautiful way.
The Quiet Struggles We Share
Let's be real about some challenges we face here:
- That awkward moment when someone assumes your "roommate" is just a roommate
- Dating apps showing the same 12 people within a 50-mile radius
- Being the token queer person in your workplace
- Navigating family gatherings where some relatives "don't understand your lifestyle"
Finding Your People Here
What helped me most was stopping the search for a "scene" and instead creating connections. The queer community here isn't concentrated—it's woven throughout. We're in community gardens, local politics, teaching classrooms, and healthcare.
You Are Not Alone
On those days when Burlington feels too small or too conservative, remember there are others feeling exactly the same way. We're here, creating space for each other in living rooms, online groups, and community events.
What's your Burlington experience been like? Share below or DM me—I'm collecting stories for our community potluck next month!