Finding My Rainbow in Suburban Ohio: A Queer Journey
Have you ever felt like the only splash of color in a grayscale landscape? That was me—a queer 20-something living in Strongsville, Ohio, wondering if I'd ever find my people.
My Strongsville Story
When I moved to this Cleveland suburb three years ago, I was immediately struck by its picturesque neighborhoods and friendly faces. The Mill Stream Run Reservation became my thinking spot, where I'd wander among trees that seemed to have witnessed decades of stories—including ones like mine. At first, I felt invisible. The Rainbow Connection, as I jokingly called my quest for queer community, seemed impossible.
The Suburban Queer Struggle
- Finding authentic spaces that aren't an hour's drive away
- Dating apps that show the same 15 people within a 50-mile radius
- Navigating well-meaning but sometimes clueless neighbors
- That constant calculation: Is this conversation safe for my authentic self?
Creating Your Own Magic
Here's what I've learned: sometimes you have to be the glitter you want to see in the world. I started a tiny book club that grew into a monthly gathering at Strongsville's local library. We found each other—teachers, healthcare workers, retail employees—all of us queer and all of us hungry for connection.
Remember that you're never truly alone, even when suburban silence makes you feel otherwise. Your queerness is a gift, even here in Strongsville.
What's your story? How are you finding or creating community where you are? Share below—your words might be exactly what someone else needs to read today.