Finding Your Rainbow in a Small Town: My Queer Journey in Altoona
Have you ever felt like the only splash of color in a black and white film? That was me, standing at the Altoona Amtrak station in 2019, wondering if I'd made the biggest mistake of my life by moving here.
My Altoona Story
When I first moved to Blair County for work, I was terrified. Coming from Philadelphia's vibrant Gayborhood to Altoona felt like stepping into another dimension. Those first months were spent nursing coffee at the Greenbean, hoping to spot another queer person in the wild. Then came that magical night at the Unter Uns Musical and Entertainment Society where I spotted a pride pin, made eye contact, and found my first friend.
The Small-Town Queer Struggle Is Real
Let's be honest about the challenges:
- Dating apps that show the same 10 people within a 50-mile radius
- The exhausting calculation of when to come out to new acquaintances
- Finding safe spaces when there's no dedicated queer venue
- The well-meaning but uncomfortable "You're the first gay person I've met!" comments
Creating Your Own Magic
What I've learned is that we build our community rather than find it. Try:
- Joining the Central PA Pride events in nearby cities
- Starting small gatherings at LGBTQ-friendly spots like Jethro's
- Connecting with Penn State Altoona's LGBTQ student groups
- Finding online communities specific to Central PA
Remember, your queerness doesn't diminish in smaller spaces—it shines even brighter. Those moments of connection feel more precious, more earned.
What's your Altoona experience? Share below and let's build our community one story at a time. You are never as alone as you feel.