Finding My Rainbow in the Coal Country: My Journey as a Queer Person in Huntington
Have you ever felt like your identity is both invisible and hypervisible at the same time? That's how my first year in Huntington felt—like I was both a ghost and a spotlight.
When West Virginia Became Home
I moved to Huntington three years ago for a job at Marshall University. Those first weeks wandering through Ritter Park, I wondered if I'd made a mistake. The Appalachian landscape was breathtaking, but where were my people? Then I discovered the small but mighty LGBTQ+ center downtown that changed everything.
The Invisible Tightrope
Dating here has been like walking a delicate line:
- Figuring out who's safe to come out to (my neighbor with the Trump flag was surprisingly kind)
- Dating apps showing profiles from "200+ miles away"
- Being the "token queer friend" in social circles
- Experiencing the painful "church hug" (when someone embraces you while mentally reserving judgment)
Creating Space When None Exists
Here's what I've learned about thriving here:
- Find your micro-community - The barista at The Wild Bean who draws rainbows in my latte foam became my first friend
- Be the representation you needed - I started a monthly queer book club that now has 12 regular members
- Embrace the allies - My straight coworker who attends every Pride event with homemade signs has been invaluable
- Connect virtually - Online WV queer groups helped me find kindred spirits across the state
Remember, your existence here is both resistance and belonging. Your Appalachian queerness is valid and beautiful.
What's your experience been in small-town Appalachia? Share below – your story might be exactly what someone else needs to hear today.