Ever Felt Like the Only Rainbow in a Military Town?
I remember my first weekend in Jacksonville after moving here for my partner who's stationed at Camp Lejeune. Standing in the grocery store, clutching my rainbow keychain, wondering if I should tuck it away. That moment of hesitation? It speaks volumes about navigating queerness in military communities.
Finding My Queer Family in Unlikely Places
Jacksonville isn't exactly known for its Pride parades. Between the military presence and conservative surroundings, I spent my first three months here feeling isolated. But here's what I didn't expect: finding community at a small bookstore downtown where the owner, a retired Marine, hosts monthly LGBTQ+ meetups.
The Invisible Tightrope We Walk
- Constantly gauging when it's safe to hold hands in public
- Explaining to new acquaintances that my "roommate" is actually my spouse
- Finding doctors who won't raise eyebrows at my relationship status
- Balancing respect for military culture with authenticity
Creating Your Own Queer Sanctuary
You don't need a gayborhood to find connection. Start small—I created a Discord server for local queer folks that grew from 5 to 50 members in months. Wilmington's just a drive away with more established spaces. And those military spouses? Many are more accepting than you'd think.
Remember: your existence here matters. Every time you live authentically, you create space for others to do the same. Our visibility becomes someone else's possibility.
Share Your Jacksonville Story
How are you finding or creating queer community here? Whether you're thriving or struggling, your experience helps others feel less alone. Let's build something beautiful in this unlikely place we call home.