Is Being Queer in Lehi, Utah Like Finding a Rainbow in a Snowstorm?
I still remember the first time I held my partner's hand in public here—my palm sweating not just from the summer heat but from the glances that followed us through the shopping center. Being visibly queer in Lehi sometimes feels like you're simultaneously invisible and the most noticeable person in the room.
My Lehi Reality
Last month at the Thanksgiving Point gardens, an elderly woman approached us. I braced myself for the usual uncomfortable exchange, but instead, she smiled and told us her granddaughter had just come out. That's Lehi—constantly surprising you when you least expect it.
What Many of Us Face Here
- The silent treatment at community events where others chat freely
- Dating apps where profiles are faceless for fear of recognition
- Well-meaning neighbors who invite you to church "functions" as a fix
- The exhaustion of constantly coming out or choosing not to
Finding Your Place Anyway
I've learned that queerness here requires creativity. The Encircle house in Provo has become my second home. Online Utah queer forums introduced me to my best friends. Sometimes community isn't about location but intention.
Remember: your existence here isn't just valid—it's vital. Every time you live authentically, you're creating space for someone else watching silently.
What's your Lehi story? Share below or DM me. This thread is a safe space, and your experiences help weave our community stronger. You aren't navigating this alone.