Being Queer in Utah: Finding My Rainbow in the Desert
Have you ever felt like a splash of color in a seemingly monochrome landscape? That was me three years ago when I moved to West Jordan, Utah.
My West Jordan Journey
When I first arrived in this Salt Lake City suburb, I wondered if I'd made a terrible mistake. The shadow of the Wasatch Mountains felt both beautiful and intimidating. I remember sitting alone at Bean & Brew on 7000 South, watching families and wondering where my people were.
The Invisible Tightrope
Let's be honest about the struggles:
- Dating apps that show the same 12 people within a 50-mile radius
- The well-meaning neighbor who keeps mentioning her single nephew (despite your rainbow flag)
- Navigating the delicate balance between authenticity and safety
- The exhaustion of being the "token queer friend" in social circles
Finding Your Queer Oasis
What I've learned is that queer community in West Jordan exists in pockets of warmth:
- The monthly gatherings at Sugar House Coffee
- Utah Pride Center's suburban outreach programs
- Online groups specifically for LGBTQ+ Utahns
- Creating the spaces you wish existed
I found my people by starting a tiny book club that now has fifteen regular members.
You Are Not Alone
Those moments when you feel like the only queer person for miles? We've all been there. But I promise, we exist in every corner of this valley, even when invisible.
What's your West Jordan experience been like? Has anyone found other hidden gems of queer community here? Share below and let's keep building our desert rainbow together.