Finding Your Rainbow in the Bible Belt: My Queer Journey in Jackson
Have you ever felt like the only splash of color in a monochrome landscape? That was me, three years ago, when I first moved to Jackson, Tennessee—a place where church steeples outnumber coffee shops and "bless your heart" carries more meanings than a dictionary.
My Jackson Story
I remember my first week here, walking down Highland Avenue, wearing my subtle pride pin, and catching those looks. You know the ones—part curiosity, part judgment. I found myself code-switching faster than I could say "sweet tea," tucking away parts of myself like putting winter clothes in storage.
The Invisible Tightrope We Walk
Let's be honest about our shared struggles here:
- Dating apps showing profiles "99+ miles away"
- The eternal question: "Are they queer or just really nice?"
- Navigating family events where your "roommate" comes up
- Community drought - when finding your people feels impossible
Creating Your Oasis
What I've learned is that queerness finds a way, even in unlikely places. Start by:
- Checking out the monthly meetups at Oz Coffee (the owner is family!)
- Joining the "Tennessee Rainbow Connection" Facebook group
- Being the visibility you needed when you arrived
- Practicing patience with yourself and others
Remember, your existence here matters. Each authentic conversation creates ripples. Your visibility today might be someone else's lifeline tomorrow.
What's your Jackson experience been like? Share below—this thread is our digital porch swing, and everyone's welcome to sit a spell.