Finding My Rainbow in Unexpected Places: A Queer Journey in Hillsboro
Have you ever felt like you're the only queer person in your suburb? That was me three years ago when I first moved to Hillsboro, trading Portland's vibrant queer scene for what I feared would be rainbow-less suburbia.
My Hillsboro Story
I still remember walking through Orenco Station that first weekend, scanning for pride flags or queer-coded signals. Nothing. I called my ex in tears: "I've made a huge mistake." Little did I know that beneath Hillsboro's tech-hub exterior beats a small but mighty queer heart!
The Invisible Community Struggle
The hardest part wasn't just finding other LGBTQ+ folks—it was the constant code-switching at Intel, the hesitation before mentioning "my partner" at neighborhood gatherings, and those questioning looks at the Hillsboro Farmers Market when holding hands.
Finding Your People Here
- Check out Periscope Books—they host a queer book club every second Wednesday
- Hillsboro Pride might be small, but it's mighty (and desperately needs volunteers!)
- Washington County PFLAG meets at the library monthly
- The Discord server "Queer Westside" has over 200 local members
The suburban queer experience is different—more about quality connections than quantity. It's about building chosen family in coffee shops rather than clubs.
You Are Not Alone
Every time I felt isolated here, someone unexpected would show up with their own rainbow. My neighbor, my dental hygienist, even my elderly mail carrier—queerness exists in every corner of Hillsboro if you're patient enough to find it.
What's your Hillsboro queer experience? Share below—your story might be exactly what someone else needs to hear today.