Finding Queer Community in Suburban Texas: My Pflugerville Journey
Have you ever felt like the only rainbow fish in a very large, very beige pond? That was me three years ago when I moved to Pflugerville, wondering if I'd ever find my people in this Austin suburb.
My Pflugerville Story
I remember driving down Pecan Street for the first time, past the cookie-cutter houses and strip malls, wondering if I'd made a terrible mistake. Where were the pride flags? The queer-owned coffee shops? Turns out, they were here—just not always visible from the highway.
The Struggle Is Real
Finding community here hasn't been without challenges:
- Dating apps that keep matching you with people in Austin proper (45 minutes away in traffic!)
- The side-eye at Hendrickson High football games when you're there with your partner
- The well-meaning but exhausting "You're the first gay person I've met in Pflugerville!" comments
What Actually Works Here
After some trial and error, here's what helped me build my queer family:
- The monthly meetups at Highland Park's community center (small but mighty!)
- Pflugerville Library's LGBTQ+ book club (yes, really!)
- Being visibly queer at Lake Pflugerville—you'd be surprised how many of us find each other this way
Remember, you're not actually alone here. There are pockets of queer joy in every corner of this town if you know where to look. We might not have a Pride parade (yet!), but we have each other.
Drop a comment if you're also navigating queer life in the suburbs! What spaces have you carved out for yourself? Our visibility matters, especially here.