Let's chat about something we're all hungry for—finding our people and our community. Whether you're in the heart of a bustling city or chilling in a small town, let's explore how to track down those elusive queer events and build our sapphic circles!

City Sapphics: Navigating the Queer Cornucopia

For our city-dwelling folks, you might think finding queer events is a breeze. And while you've got more options, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. Here's how to dive in:

1. LGBTQ+ Centers: Most cities have community centers that host events. Check their calendars regularly.

2. Queer-Owned Businesses: Bookstores, cafes, and bars often host meetups and events.

3. Apps and Social Media: 

   • Meetup: Search for LGBTQ+ groups in your area

   • Lex: Has a range of resources and threads for connecting with other queer people

   • Facebook Events: Look for local queer event pages

   • Instagram: Follow local queer influencers and organizations

4. Pride Centers: Many universities have LGBTQ+ centers that welcome community members to events.

5. Sports Leagues: Join queer softball, kickball, or other sports teams.

6. Art Scenes: Look for queer film festivals, gallery openings, and theater productions.

Rural Sapphics: Creating Queer Magic in Smaller Spaces

For our rural wlw, the struggle can be real. But don't worry, there are still ways to connect:

1. Online Communities: Join Facebook groups or Discord servers for queer folks in your state or region.

2. Create Your Own Events: Start a queer book club or movie night. You might be surprised who shows up!

3. PFLAG Chapters: Even smaller towns often have PFLAG groups that can connect you with local LGBTQ+ folks.

4. Regional Pride Events: Keep an eye out for Pride celebrations in nearby larger towns or cities.

5. Queer-Friendly Spaces: Look for businesses with rainbow flags or "Safe Space" stickers. They might know about local events.

6. Dating Apps: Yes, really! Use the "friends" option to connect with other local queer folks.

Bridging the Urban-Rural Divide

No matter where you live, here are some universal tips:

1. Road Trips: Plan visits to nearby cities or towns for their queer events. Make a weekend of it!

2. Virtual Events: Many organizations now offer online options. Attend from anywhere!

3. Queer Retreats: Look for LGBTQ+ camping trips, yoga retreats, or workshops in your region.

4. Volunteer: LGBTQ+ organizations often need help, and it's a great way to meet people.

5. Be Visible (Safely): Wearing subtle pride gear can help you spot other queer folks in unexpected places.

Tech Tools for Queer Connection

No matter where you are, these apps and websites can be game-changers in finding queer events and businesses:

1. Lex: A text-based app for queer, trans, and gender non-conforming folks. Great for finding events and making connections.

2. HER: While primarily a dating app, HER also lists local LGBTQ+ events and has a social networking component.

3. Eventbrite: Search for "LGBTQ" or "queer" events in your area. You can often find everything from drag shows to workshops.

4. Meetup: Join LGBTQ+ groups in your area or start your own!

5. GayCities: A guide to gay and lesbian bars, restaurants, and events in cities worldwide.

6. LocalizeThis: An app that helps you find queer-owned and queer-friendly businesses in your area.

7. Pride Guides: Offers LGBTQ+ travel guides for various cities, including local businesses and events.

8. Autostraddle: Check out their "Queer Girl City Guides" for insider tips on queer hotspots in various cities.

9. Yelp: Use the "LGBTQ" filter when searching for businesses to find queer-friendly spots.

10. TikTok: Follow local queer creators who often share info about events and meetups.

11. Stuzo Clothing's "Everywhere Is Queer" map: A user-generated map of queer-owned businesses across the U.S.

12. Queery: An app that helps you find LGBTQ+ friendly businesses, events, and resources in your area.

For Rural Sapphics: While many of these tools are more populated in urban areas, don't discount them! You might be surprised to find events or businesses listed near you. And if not, these can be great resources when planning trips to more populated areas.

For City Sapphics: With so many options, try using these apps to filter events by your specific interests—whether that's queer book clubs, lesbian bars, or LGBTQ+ volunteer opportunities.

Remember, technology is just a tool to facilitate real-world connections. Use these apps and websites to find events, but don't forget the joy of actually showing up and meeting people face-to-face!

Safety First!

No matter where you are:

• Trust your instincts when meeting new people.

• Let a friend know your plans when attending new events.

• Be cautious about sharing personal information online.

Remember, It's Quality Over Quantity

Whether you're in New York City or Small Town, USA, what matters most is finding your people. Sometimes that might mean a big, bustling queer dance party, and other times it might be a cozy gathering of three queer folks and a cat. Both are equally valid and beautiful!

Creating Your Own Queer Magic

Can't find what you're looking for? Make it happen!

• Start an online group for queer folks in your area.

• Organize a picnic or hike for LGBTQ+ people.

• Reach out to local businesses about hosting queer events.

You never know—you might be the catalyst your local queer community needs! 💖🌈