Ever wondered why finding your queer chosen family in a smaller city feels like looking for a rainbow in a foggy sky?
I still remember my first week in Auburn - standing in Lea Hill Park with my rainbow tote, looking around nervously, wondering if I was the only one who used the word "queer" to describe themselves within city limits.
Finding My Auburn Queer Space
Between the Auburn SuperMall (now Outlet Collection) visits and coffee runs to Zola's, I spent months convincing myself that queer community was something that existed only in Seattle - not in our little corner of King County. Then one rainy Tuesday, I spotted a Pride sticker on a laptop at the Auburn Library, and suddenly a conversation became a friendship, which became my gateway to discovering dozens of us were hiding in plain sight!
The Suburban Queer Struggle
Finding each other isn't always easy when:
- Most LGBTQ+ events seem to happen 30+ minutes away
- Dating apps show the same 3 people for weeks
- Casual mentions of your identity can still turn heads at local restaurants
- You're never quite sure which spaces are truly welcoming
Building Queer Community Where You Are
What I've learned is that we make our own magic here. Start small - I began with a tiny queer book club that now meets monthly at Rainbow Café downtown. Visibility matters, even in subtle ways. Wear that pin, mention your partner casually, become a regular somewhere and let your authentic self be known.
Remember, you're not actually alone here in Auburn. We might be scattered between the hills and Green River, but we're here, creating little pockets of belonging between the raindrops. Your queer journey in suburbia isn't less valid - it's just differently shaped.
How are you finding or creating queer community in Auburn? Share below - your story might be exactly what someone else needs to hear today. 💜