Finding My Rainbow in the Utah Desert
Have you ever felt like the only rainbow in a beige-toned painting? That was me, three years ago, when I first moved to South Jordan.
Mormon Suburbs & Mascara Tears
Picture this: a queer enby with purple hair unpacking boxes in a neighborhood where family stickers on minivans exclusively showed mom-dad-kids configurations. My first week here, I literally had a neighbor ask if my "lifestyle choice" might be "contagious" to her children. I smiled through tears later that night, wondering if I'd made a terrible mistake choosing this suburb for its mountain views and affordable rent.
The Invisible Tightrope
- Walking into Beans & Brews wondering if it's safe to mention "my ex-girlfriend"
- The dating app desert (literally matching with people 45 miles away)
- Constantly calculating: How out is too out? in professional settings
- Finding chosen family when blood family feels worlds away
Creating Pockets of Pride
What saved me was finding my people at the South Jordan Library's secret-not-secret book club. Then the barista at Starbucks with the tiny pride pin. Then the neighbor three doors down who finally worked up the courage to compliment my pride doormat.
Start small. Be visible in ways that feel safe. Your authenticity is a lighthouse for others still searching in the dark.
You Are Not Alone
On days when Jordan Landing feels more suffocating than suburban, remember there's a vibrant queer community just waiting to embrace you. We exist in every corner of Utah, even the ones that seem determined to erase us.
Share your South Jordan queer story below. Where have you found community here? What spaces feel safe? Together, we turn this suburb into home. 💜