Finding Your Rainbow in a Maroon Sky: My Queer Journey in College Station
Have you ever felt like you're living in two worlds at once? That's exactly how it felt when I first stepped onto campus at Texas A&M—one foot in the traditional Aggie culture and one in my authentic queer self.
When Howdy Met Pride
Three years ago, I arrived in College Station with two suitcases and a closet full of secrets. Northgate buzzed with energy, but I wondered if there was space for someone like me among the traditions and bonfire preparations. That first semester, I would walk through Academic Plaza, past the Century Tree, wondering if I'd ever find my people here.
The Invisible Tightrope
Let's be real about the struggles:
- Dating apps that either show faces 50+ miles away or profiles without pictures
- The careful pronouns dance in class introductions
- Walking into Hullabaloo Hall wondering if your roommate will still want to be friends when they know the real you
- The exhausting calculations before mentioning your partner in casual conversation
Creating Your Queer Oasis
Truth bomb: Queer community exists here—you just need to know where to look.
- The LGBTQ+ Resource Center hosts events that feel like coming home
- Coffee shops like Sweet Eugene's have become unofficial gathering spots
- Student organizations like LGBTQ+ Aggies create brave spaces on campus
- Follow local queer-friendly businesses on social media for events
Remember that authenticity attracts authenticity. The friends who stay when you're fully yourself are the ones worth keeping.
You're Not Alone in Aggieland
That feeling in your chest when you spot another rainbow pin on a backpack? That silent nod of recognition in class? Those are reminders that we're here, creating community in our own way.
What's your College Station story? Drop a comment below—this space is for all of us to connect, share resources, and maybe even make plans for the next Pride event. We're writing our own traditions here. ✨