Ever Felt Like an Island in a Sea of Sameness?
That's exactly how I felt three years ago when I moved to Roy, Utah. The wide-open spaces reflected the emptiness I carried inside as a queer person wondering if I'd ever find my community here.
Finding My Way in Roy
My first winter here, I'd walk through Meadow Creek Pond Park, absolutely certain I was the only queer soul for miles. The snow would crunch under my boots while I dreamed of rainbow flags and chosen family. Then came that Tuesday at Roy Library when I spotted someone with a pride pin. We locked eyes. We smiled. Small moment, enormous impact.
The Invisible Tightrope We Walk
Let's be honest about the struggles:
- Feeling like you have to tone yourself down in certain spaces
- The exhausting calculus of deciding when to come out to new friends
- Dating apps where the nearest match is 45+ minutes away
- Creating boundaries with well-meaning but clueless neighbors
Carving Out Your Space
Here's what worked for me:
- Start tiny - One ally is all you need to begin
- Check out Ogden's queer-friendly spaces just a short drive away
- Join online Utah queer groups first if in-person feels overwhelming
- Be the representation you wish you had (safely, on your terms)
Remember, your queerness isn't diminished by geography. You're not watering yourself down by being here—you're helping this community bloom in new ways.
What's your Roy story? Share below and let's weave our experiences together. You might be someone else's library moment, that glimpse of possibility they've been searching for.