Finding My Rainbow in Medford: A Queer Journey in Southern Oregon
Have you ever felt like the only rainbow fish in a sea of sameness? That was me three years ago when I moved to Medford, Oregon—a beautiful city nestled between mountains but seemingly between worlds for queer folks like us.
My Medford Story
When I first arrived in the Rogue Valley, I was immediately struck by the breathtaking views of Table Rock and the incredible coffee shops downtown. But as a queer person, I wondered where my community was hiding. Those first few months felt like walking through fog—beautiful surroundings but limited visibility for connection.
The Silent Struggle
Let's be honest about the challenges:
- Dating apps that show the same 12 people within a 50-mile radius
- The "am I reading this right?" dance when meeting potentially queer folks
- Finding safe spaces that aren't just in Ashland
- The well-meaning but exhausting questions from straight neighbors
Creating Your Queer Home
What I've learned is that in places like Medford, we don't just find community—we create it. Here's what helped me:
- The Rogue Valley Pride events became my yearly anchor
- Joining the book club at Bloomsbury Books
- Starting a hiking group specifically for LGBTQ+ folks
- Being visibly queer in my own authentic way
Remember, your existence here matters. Every time you live authentically, you're creating space for others to do the same.
You Are Not Alone
The beauty of our queer community is that we find each other, even in unexpected places. That feeling of isolation? We've all felt it. But there is a vibrant, loving queer community here in Southern Oregon waiting to embrace you.
What's your Medford story? Share your experiences below or join our monthly meetup at Common Block Brewing. Your voice makes our rainbow brighter.