Finding Your Queer Community in Small-Town Texas
Ever felt like the only rainbow fish in a very large, very conservative pond? That was me three years ago when I moved to Georgetown, Texas—a place where church steeples outnumber pride flags by about a thousand to one.
My Georgetown Story
I still remember my first week here. I was unpacking boxes in my new apartment when my neighbor knocked on the door with homemade cookies and a friendly smile. The conversation was going great until she asked about "my husband." The familiar tightness returned to my chest as I navigated yet another coming-out moment, unsure if I'd just lost my first potential friend in town.
The Invisible Tightrope We Walk
Let's be honest about the struggles we face here:
- The constant calculation of when and how to come out to new people
- Dating apps where the nearest match is literally 45+ minutes away
- The isolation that comes from not seeing yourself represented in everyday spaces
- Those well-meaning but exhausting questions from straight folks who've "never met a gay person before"
Creating Your Queer Oasis
After many tearful phone calls to friends in Austin, I've discovered some survival strategies:
- The Georgetown Public Library hosts an LGBTQ+ book club every second Thursday
- There's a private Facebook group called "Queer in GTown" with over 200 members
- Southwestern University has inclusive events that welcome community members
- Even if you need to drive to Austin sometimes, building your home base here matters
Remember that you are not alone in this community. For every person feeling isolated, there's another searching for connection just like you.
Let's Talk
Have you found your queer family in Georgetown? Or are you still searching? Share your experiences below—your story might be exactly what someone else needs to hear today.