Spending the weekend in Chicago and finally being immersed in true Queer culture for the first time has been healing in a way I cannot properly articulate.
For those of you who don't know, I come from an incredibly rural part of the Midwest, where I am the sole visible lesbian in my community. I spend a lot of my time hiding my identity (I lovingly call it "femming it up") or explaining my identity to those who are brave enough to relay their curiosity. Either way, it's rare that I get to exist as my full, authentic Butch self.
Last night I went to a karaoke bar and spent time with some older lesbians. I cannot even begin to explain how rewarding that experience was. Feeling loved, accepted, and understood for the first time in my life. Even if it was just over a couple beers and "Sweet Caroline", it made me fully conceptualize how important having Queer community is.
If you can, I encourage you to immerse yourself in whatever local Queer scene you find yourself in. For those of us who lack Queer people (especially elder Queers) in our lives, know that they are out there, and they cannot wait to meet you. You are never as alone or isolated as you may feel.
I look forward to the day that I am able to live my authentic life, free from questions and judgement and small-town expectations. I know that day will come very soon.