Finding Your Queer Family in Small-Town Wisconsin
Ever feel like you're the only rainbow in a monochrome sky? That was me five years ago when I first moved to Oshkosh.
My Oshkosh Story
I arrived during a snowy January, fresh out of college and starting a job at the university. The first few months were incredibly isolating. I'd walk around downtown, past the quaint cafés on Main Street and along the Fox River, wondering if there were others like me hiding in plain sight.
The Invisible Tightrope
Being queer in smaller Wisconsin cities comes with its unique challenges:
- The dating pool feels microscopic (Tinder shows the same 12 people repeatedly)
- Making the first move is terrifying when you're unsure about someone's identity
- Finding spaces that feel truly safe requires insider knowledge
- Balancing visibility with personal safety becomes a daily calculation
Creating Connection Where You Are
What changed everything for me was stopping my search for the perfect queer community and starting to build one instead:
- The LGBTQ+ Resource Center at UW-Oshkosh welcomes community members, not just students
- Tiny signals matter – my rainbow pin started countless conversations
- Regional Pride events in Appleton and Green Bay expanded my circle
- Online forums connected me with others before meeting in person
Remember, your queerness doesn't diminish because of your zip code. Our Wisconsin community might be scattered, but we're resilient, creative, and waiting to meet you. What's your Oshkosh experience been like?