Finding Myself in the Heart of South Carolina
Have you ever felt like you're living two separate lives in the same small town? That's been my reality since coming out in Sumter, South Carolina, where church steeples outnumber rainbow flags by about a thousand to one.
My Sumter Story
I still remember that humid August evening when I finally told my mama I was gay while sitting on our porch swing. The cicadas were singing louder than my racing heart as the words tumbled out. Her silence lasted only moments before she squeezed my hand and said, "Baby, I've known since you were seven and insisted on being Princess Leia for Halloween three years straight."
The Invisible Tightrope
Being queer in Sumter means walking a unique path:
- Finding connection when dating apps show "50+ miles away" for every potential match
- Navigating which spaces are truly safe versus politely tolerant
- Building chosen family when biological ones sometimes fall short
- Dealing with well-meaning church ladies who still want to "fix you up" with their nephew
Creating Your Own Light
What I've learned is that authenticity attracts authenticity, even here:
- The Swan Lake Iris Gardens became my thinking spot when times got tough
- Our tiny but mighty PFLAG chapter meets at the downtown library monthly
- Finding allies at USC Sumter changed everything for me
- Sometimes, being visibly yourself gives others courage they didn't know they needed
Remember that your existence is revolutionary in spaces not built for you. Your joy is resistance. Your love is legacy.
How have you carved out your own space where you live? Share below – our stories create constellations for others to navigate by. 💜