When my husband, our cat, and I moved to Nevada County, we weren't entirely sure what to expect. Having lived in New York, Fresno, the Bay Area, and San Luis Obispo, we were a little nervous about moving to the foothills. But we quickly fell in love with the beauty of this place, the trees, the river, and the opportunity to build a home surrounded by nature.
Of course, finding a sense of community takes more than just loving where you live. Making friends as an adult isn't always easy, especially when you're new to an area. But over the past couple of years, we've been incredibly grateful for how warmly we've been welcomed, particularly by the queer community here.
I grew up in a very conservative religious environment, and getting to see so many beautiful examples of queer love, friendship, and family at different stages of life has been healing in ways I didn't necessarily expect. From helping us find our home, to friends inviting us to use their kiln, sharing tickets to some of the amazing live music in our area, meeting friends while tabling at community events, and sharing meals together, it's often the little moments of generosity and connection that have meant the most.
Joining the Nevada County Pride board gave me an immediate opportunity to connect with this community and to help create that same sense of belonging for others. I'm proud of our little town and its long history of queer community, including potlucks and gatherings going back to the 1970s and 80s. I'm grateful for the friendships we've made and for the people who make this place feel like home.
I've volunteered with many different organizations and given my time to lots of causes, but serving on the Nevada County Pride board has been my first official board role. It has challenged me, taught me a lot, and given me a deeper appreciation for the work that goes into building and sustaining community. Organizations like ours depend on people willing to share their time, ideas, and energy, and there is always room for new voices.
As we head into November, I'm reminded how important it is to keep showing up for one another, celebrating our community, and making space for everyone to feel welcomed and supported. If you've ever considered getting more involved, I encourage you to join us at our November 16 new board member mixer to meet the board, learn more about what we do, and explore ways to contribute.
Thank you for being part of what makes Nevada County such a special place to call home.
-Kacey