Finding Your Queer Family in Rural Vermont: More Possible Than You Think
Ever feel like you're the only queer person for miles around as you drive through Vermont's winding country roads? That was me three winters ago, shivering in my poorly insulated farmhouse rental, wondering if I'd made a terrible mistake moving from Boston to a town with more cows than people.
My Vermont Journey
I arrived in the Green Mountain State with two suitcases, my trusty Subaru (yes, the queer stereotype was not lost on me), and absolutely zero connections. That first month, I'd drive 45 minutes just to go to a café where the barista had a pride pin, just to feel seen.
The Rural Queer Struggle Is Real
Let's be honest about the challenges:
- Dating apps show profiles from 50+ miles away (and yes, I've driven two hours for a mediocre date)
- Finding your people requires effort when there's no established "gayborhood"
- Winter isolation can amplify loneliness
- Well-meaning but clueless questions from neighbors ("So when will you meet the right man?")
How I Built My Vermont Queer Family
Slowly but surely, I discovered that queer life in Vermont isn't missing—it's just distributed differently:
- Look for Pride Centers in Burlington, Brattleboro, and Montpelier
- Join outdoor groups like Out in the Mountains
- Attend farmers markets (seriously, the queer concentration is surprisingly high)
- Volunteer at progressive organizations
Remember, rural queerness has its own beautiful texture. We build deeper connections because we can't take community for granted. Your people are here—sometimes just scattered across several towns.
How's your Vermont queer journey going? Drop a comment and let's connect—maybe we're neighbors and don't even know it yet!