Finding My Rainbow in the Pacific Northwest Rain
Have you ever felt like the gray Puyallup skies were somehow a reflection of your own journey to find connection? That's exactly where I found myself three years ago, standing outside Anthem Coffee on Meridian, watching raindrops race down the window and wondering if I'd ever truly belong in this place.
When Puyallup Became Home
I moved here from Austin with my succulents, my vinyl collection, and absolutely zero queer connections. The first month, I spent weekends either hiking alone at Mount Rainier or driving to Seattle's Capitol Hill because I was convinced Puyallup couldn't possibly have a queer community. Then came the farmers market on Pioneer, where I spotted a person with a pride pin selling honey. One conversation led to another, and suddenly I was being invited to a monthly potluck at a craftsman house near the fairgrounds.
The Invisibility Struggle
Let's be honest about the challenges:
- Feeling like you need to "tone it down" in certain Puyallup spaces
- The dating pool that sometimes feels puddle-sized
- That awkward moment when someone assumes your "roommate" is just a roommate
- Explaining to Seattle friends that yes, there are queer people living outside the city
Creating Your Community Where You Are
What I've learned is that queer joy in smaller communities doesn't just happen—we build it intentionally. Start small: the Rainbow Center in Tacoma hosts events worth the drive. The Puyallup Public Library's LGBTQ+ book club was where I met my now-partner. Sometimes creating space means literally creating it yourself. Our monthly board game night started with just four people and now needs two tables!
You are not alone here, even when it feels that way. Your experience matters, and your presence makes this community richer.
Have you found your pocket of belonging in Puyallup? What spaces have made you feel welcome? Share below—your comment might be the map someone else needs to find their way home.