Finding My Queer Joy in South Carolina
Have you ever felt like you're trying to grow a garden in concrete? That's how being queer in South Carolina felt when I first came out.
My Palmetto State Journey
I remember sitting on Folly Beach at sunset, tears mixing with the salt spray, after coming out to my deeply religious parents. The Charleston air was thick with humidity and uncertainty. But later that week, I stumbled into a tiny bookstore downtown where the owner—a silver-haired lesbian who'd lived here since the 70s—simply said, "Welcome home, honey." Those three words changed everything.
The Southern Queer Paradox
Let's be real about the struggle:
- Finding community when it feels like we're scattered across counties
- Navigating family gatherings where your "roommate" is discussed in hushed tones
- Dating apps where proximity means "two hours away"
- The exhausting dance of deciding when to be visible or blend in
Creating Queer Space Where There Is None
Y'all, here's what I've learned works:
- Be the organizer – I started a monthly potluck in Greenville that grew from 4 to 40 people
- Connect with LGBTQ+ groups at colleges – they welcome community members
- Find the affirming faith communities (they exist!)
- Use social media to find micro-communities by interest (queer hikers, queer crafters)
Remember, our queerness mixed with Southern resilience makes us absolutely unstoppable. You're not just surviving here—you're part of a gorgeous, tenacious tradition of Southern queers who've been making magic in these pines for generations.
What's your South Carolina queer story? Share below and let's weave this community tighter together. 💜