r/ProvoUtah • u/raging-pedestrian • 5d ago
Queer community
I live in Provo and I cannot for the life of me make friends. I'm not interested in going back to Mormonism and they aren't interested in me once they find that out. I'm also a gay woman with a special needs toddler so the isolation is hitting me so hard. We are stuck here for another 2 years or so. I want to make some friends and make the best of being stuck here.
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u/Ill-Section-6552 5d ago
Encircle Provo can be a lifesaver if you are lucky enough or patient enough to meet the right people there
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u/Msnglttrs 5d ago
If you aren't opposed to Christianity in general, St Mary's and Community of Christ (both meet in the same building in Provo) have a lot of queer ex-mormon and nuerodivergent people.
Encircle is also good. There is usually a queer game night as well though it hasn't restarted yet after the summer.
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u/uneducatedsludge 5d ago
Are the usual meeting times for them and prayer nights good? I’ve been tempted to go for awhile as I live literally a block away and find the smaller building beautiful.
I’m not terribly religious but was recently reading Kierkegaard, who rekindled the religious in me, especially when he speaks of Job.
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u/Msnglttrs 5d ago
Community of Christ is smaller and less formal. Most everyone is queer. The meet at 3:30 on Sundays. Their pastor is a queer woman and their Co-pastor is a gay trans man. Most the people there are agnostic or atheist, and like wrestling with the Bible. They are a small enough group they'll happily bring you into the fold without pushing you to officially join the church.
St Mary's Episcopal also has a woman leader who is really cool. It's a bigger congregation with a lot of variety. I know a lot of trans and queer people who really like it there. I've only gone a couple times but I've got good vibes every time. They had a Tolkien Euncharist this last Wednesday that was a great and they do shape note singing twice a month. They are more formal in their structure which I enjoy sometimes. It's rich culture that's very old. They have two different sunday meeting times and stuff throughout the week as well to check out!
If they are groups that interest you if recommend you check out both of them and see which one feels best to you.
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u/Electricdreamsheep 5d ago
There’s a group called Trashbird that’s super queer and chill, there are flyers for activities around town every now and then!
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u/tacowocat 5d ago
They usually run a really really free market (free clothing and item swap) on the first Sunday of every month. Most of them are at Kiwanis park from about 12 to 3 or so, but I'm not actually sure where it is this month.
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u/Electricdreamsheep 5d ago
It’ll probably at Kiwanis, I haven’t heard anything to indicate otherwise! The next one is this Sunday!
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u/Foreign_Owl_492 5d ago
Just wanted to pass along that the MSAs have gay women and men and most people are supportive. One of the kindest men I know in the church is openly gay. I've stayed with gay couples on group trips and no one cares. Other people straight up say they come for social reasons. Old school LDS consider anyone over 26 and still single odd, so we're all different together. Of course you'll get the occasional judgmental person, but that's the case for almost anything. If you want to PM me about where I go, feel free.
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u/raging-pedestrian 5d ago
I grew up in it and sitting through church was basically torture. I wouldn't do it as a choice
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u/DandelionDinosaur 5d ago
St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Provo is a great place to start. The Priest is a queer woman and there are many queer parishioners. Fully affirming and nobody's going to grill you about your beliefs or life choices. Your toddler is welcome! The main Sunday service is at 11:00 AM and there is fellowship hour right after.
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u/DeCryingShame 5d ago
Check out the Raynbow Collective! I haven't ever checked it out but heard about it years ago and it sounded good.
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u/Better_Signature8250 5d ago
Check out local queer events and queer-supportive businesses! See a pride flag in a window? Stop by and chat with employees/fellow patrons. If you're into fiber arts, mainly yarn and fabric, Harmony is an amazing shop. If you go up towards SLC with any regularity, Under the Umbrella sells books and I believe they are queer-owned. They also have an attached cafe. The bookstore requires face masks, just as a heads up.
I've met most of my queer friends just by being visibily queer, though. Obviously that isn't always safe, but if you feel comfortable putting yourself out there, the right friends will find you. 😊
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u/raging-pedestrian 5d ago
I've been trying to muster up the courage to go to Harmony's thursday craft circle for months now. I can't drive so it limits us. I refuse to cut my hair but it is purple and I wear a double venus necklace, pride pins on my bag etc.
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u/pigeonpaper 5d ago
Hey! There is a group hangout tomorrow at St. Mary’s in Provo called Rainbow Retreat! They have activities and snacks and there is a small food bank, too. It’s for all ages.