Finding My Rainbow in Suburban Wisconsin
Ever wonder what it's like to be the only unicorn grazing in a field of horses? That was me, a queer 20-something navigating life in New Berlin, Wisconsin—where cornfields sometimes felt more abundant than Pride flags.
My New Berlin Story
When I first moved to New Berlin for that promising job at the tech park, I brought my collection of pride pins and unwavering optimism. The local coffee shop became my office, the park my thinking spot, but finding my people? That proved trickier than explaining non-binary identities to my elderly neighbor (who, surprisingly, turned out to be wonderfully supportive after our third chat over her homemade apple pie).
The Suburban Queer Struggle Is Real
Let's be honest about the challenges:
- Dating apps that show your "matches" are 45+ miles away in Milwaukee
- The constant coming out to new people
- Finding safe spaces when there's no dedicated queer venue
- That awkward moment when someone assumes your "roommate" is just... a roommate
Creating Your Own Queer Magic
Here's what I've learned works:
- Connect with the Milwaukee LGBTQ+ center—they often have events worth the drive
- Start small gatherings (my monthly potluck grew from 3 to 15 people!)
- Be visible (tastefully) in ways you're comfortable with
- Embrace allies who show up authentically
Remember, suburbia doesn't mean isolation. Your queer joy matters here too, and sometimes being the first visible rainbow creates space for others to emerge.
What's your suburban queer experience like? Drop a comment below—I read every single one, and maybe we're neighbors who haven't yet connected over coffee!