Ever felt like you're the only queer person in a sea of flannel and craft beer?
I remember my first week in Eugene after moving here from Portland. Standing in the produce section at Market of Choice, wearing my bi pride pin, wondering if anyone would notice. A woman with a rainbow cart caught my eye and gave me the most affirming nod I'd ever received. Sometimes community reveals itself in the smallest moments.
Finding Your Place in Track Town
Eugene's queer scene is vibrant but intimate. Unlike bigger cities where queer spaces are clearly marked, here they're often tucked away like precious secrets. The Saturday Market became my unexpected sanctuary—vendors with pride flags, fellow queers browsing handmade jewelry, conversations that started with compliments and ended with coffee dates.
When the Rain Gets You Down
Let's be honest—those long, gray winter months can amplify isolation. Dating apps show the same 20 people, friends retreat into hibernation, and suddenly your houseplants become your main social circle.
- The endless "are they queer or just Eugene-hipster" guessing game
- Finding spaces beyond the few explicitly queer venues
- Building community when you're naturally introverted
- Navigating dating in a small city where everyone knows everyone
Creating Your Queer Garden
Your community doesn't have to look like anyone else's. Mine started with one friend at Spectrum, then volunteering at Pride, until suddenly I had people to text when a new queer film screened at Broadway Metro.
Nurture connections like seedlings—with patience and care. The Wayward Lamb may be gone, but we still have each other. Our resilience is our superpower.
You belong here, whether you're new in town or just new to being out. Your experiences matter, and someone else is looking for exactly the connection you offer.
What's Your Eugene Story?
Share your favorite queer-friendly spots below! Or tell us about how you found your people in this quirky little city we call home. Your story might be exactly what someone else needs to hear today.