Has Anyone Else Found Their Rainbow in Charleston's Historic Streets?
The first time I walked down King Street holding hands with another woman, I felt my heart racing—not just from the summer heat but from a cocktail of fear and exhilaration. Charleston's cobblestone streets weren't exactly known for LGBTQ+ acceptance when I moved here five years ago.
Finding My Queer Family in the Holy City
What started as lonely weekends wandering Rainbow Row (ironically named, I thought then) transformed when I stumbled into a tiny bookstore hosting a queer poetry night. The owner, a seventy-year-old lesbian with silver hair and stories of Charleston's secret queer history, became my first local connection. Through her, I found others—we were hiding in plain sight all along.
When Southern Hospitality Doesn't Feel So Hospitable
Let's be honest though—dating here comes with unique challenges:
- The dating pool feels smaller than Lake Marion in a drought
- Coming out repeatedly to new colleagues who assume your "roommate" is just a roommate
- Navigating religious family gatherings where your "lifestyle" becomes table conversation
- Finding safe spaces beyond the few explicitly queer venues
Creating Your Charleston Queer Oasis
What's worked for me might work for you:
- Join the Park Circle LGBTQ+ social events—they host monthly gatherings
- Volunteer with We Are Family or Charleston Pride
- Create your chosen family through shared interests first, not just shared identity
- Become a regular at queer-owned businesses (I see you, Daps Breakfast!)
Remember, Charleston's queer community has survived hurricanes, historic floods, and centuries of conservative politics. We're resilient, we're here, and we're creating something beautiful together.
Drop a comment about your Charleston queer experience—where do you find community in the Holy City?