Ever Felt Like the Only Rainbow in a Gray Sky?
That's exactly how I felt when I first moved to Reading, Pennsylvania three years ago. The Pagoda loomed in the distance as I unpacked my U-Haul, wondering if I'd made a terrible mistake.
Finding My Queer Family in Reading
My first week here, I wandered into the Reading Public Library during a thunderstorm and stumbled upon their LGBTQ+ book club. The woman with purple hair who offered me coffee became my best friend, and later, my wife. Sometimes home finds you when you least expect it.
When Being Yourself Feels Impossible
Let's be honest about the struggles:
- That awkward moment when someone assumes your partner is your "friend"
- The exhausting calculations about when to come out to new acquaintances
- Finding yourself the unofficial "queer ambassador" in social settings
- Explaining your pronouns for the hundredth time
Creating Your Own Queer Oasis
What helped me survive and thrive:
- Connect with the Reading Pride Celebration planning committee
- Try the monthly mixers at The Barley Mow (first Thursday!)
- Join online groups like "Berks County Queer Connect"
- Create the space you wish existed—my living room book club grew to 15 members
Remember, your queerness isn't just valid here—it's necessary. Reading needs your unique light, your stories, your truth.
How did you find your people in Reading? Share below, because someone reading this right now needs to hear they're not alone. Your story might be their map home.