Finding Your Queer Family in Small-Town Texas: Is It Possible?
I remember my first day in Killeen like it was yesterday. The wide Texas sky, the military presence from Fort Hood, and that immediate question in my mind: where are my people?
My Killeen Story
Moving here from Austin three years ago felt like stepping backward. I went from rainbow crosswalks to wondering if holding my partner's hand at HEB would cause a scene. Those first months were a dance of careful pronouns and scanning rooms for friendly faces.
The Central Texas Queer Struggle
If you're here, you probably know the challenges:
- Dating apps that show the same 12 people within a 50-mile radius
- Making friends outside military circles when you're not affiliated
- Finding spaces that aren't just "tolerated" but celebrated
- The constant "So when are you moving to Austin?" questions
- Navigating family expectations in a traditionally conservative area
Creating Space Where There Isn't One
Here's what helped me build community:
- Start small - Our monthly potluck began with just four people
- Connect with Fort Hood's LGBTQ+ support networks
- Visit Temple and Waco's queer-friendly businesses
- Create online spaces specifically for Central Texas
- Attend Pride events in nearby cities
The beauty of smaller communities is that we need each other more. Our bonds grow stronger precisely because they're harder to form.
You Are Not the Only One
On days when Killeen feels too small, remember there are others scrolling through the same social media, wondering if they're alone. They're not. And neither are you.
What's your Killeen story? Share below and let's continue building this community one connection at a time.