How can I meet other LGBTQ people in a small and conservative town?

You can meet other LGBTQ people in a small and conservative town by posting on your local town's board about a cookout for all LGBTQ people. Or, if you feel more comfortable this way, you could post about it in the next town over.

Is there a local PFLAG chapter near you? Maybe a GSA type thing that you could volunteer for? If not, you could start something! Everything counts and will help!

The Internet is a wonderful thing for this. There's a very good chance you're the only one in town if you're in a small enough town, but you're not alone in the world.

The internet is a great resource to find all sorts of people from all over the world. You can connect through forums, social media, or even right here on 7 cups! Just remember to be safe.

You can find out of groups that are online that you could join to chat about things and maybe through the people there you will come to know of other communities that you can join and share.

Check out pflag.org and find a local chapter that is closest to you. It is also worth searching for a Gay & Lesbian Community Center. If you don't mind the bar scene, going to happy hour at a gay friendly bar would be a really great option to meet other. You can always drink water or a coke if alcohol is not your thing.

Having struggled with this myself, I feel as though sharing my experience would be adequate. As a closeted member of the LGBTQ+ community living in a conservative town, I had trouble accepting myself, and actively seeking out others like me. Once I had come to terms with my identity, I began to look for other LGBTQ+ members in my area. Here are some ideas to help find other LGBTQ+ people in a somewhat subtle manner. 1) Be symbolic. Wear colors, patterns, and themes that could be associated with your sexuality and gender identity. For example, wearing a shirt that contains the colors of your pride flag. 2) Be yourself as much as possible. In a safe situation, try dropping hints about your involvement or association with the LGBTQ+ community. 3) Observe. There are others like you. Look out for them. Maybe it’s a twinkle in their eye, their hairstyle, or an Oscar Wilde novel clutched in their hand. Keep your eyes wide. 4) Come out. If you are closeted, think about coming out. This is an extremely important decision, and some may choose not to come out. This is okay too. 5) Be chill. Smile. Wave. Hold doors, be friendly, and be yourself, in as subtle, or as bold a manner as you can. Best of luck.

Maybe you can first try to meet a nearby community online? And then maybe meet them in person! Maybe you'll discover some of them are from your town and it will make it easier for you to meet new LGBTQ+ people! I understand that living in a small and conservative town doesn't make it easy for you to have a community around you and on who you can rely on. Moreover, if the town is really small and conservative maybe also other LGBTQ+ people might prefer to meet online. Hope that this advice helped you with your problem! Take care!