welcome to your new home

Hi.  I'm Jen.  

this is a slightly epic picture of myself

I just moved to Chicago from Milwaukee.  It's not a far move, about an hour and a half drive, but in the grand scheme of things it feels pretty big.  I've lived in Wisconsin my entire life.  I grew up in a small town and promptly left for college when i turned 18.  I chose Milwaukee, partially because my grades didn't get me into Madison (where all of my friends were going to school) and partially because of silly teenage feelings and the reasons that go along with them.

home sweet home

Eventually I found my niche of friends and fell in love with Milwaukee.  There were shows and talented bands, there was an awesome art community, there was a giant system of support and love.  I found weirdos who had the same taste in music as I did, enjoyed reading books, and would watch endless horror movies with me.  The city had a magical capability of having the perks of a big city but the community of a small one.  After nine years, I was hard-pressed to walk into a restaurant, bar, or show without seeing at least three people I knew. 

look at my group of attractive friends!

I had lived a full, happy life in Milwaukee.  I had a college degree, a fun job, the best friends in the world, and a fantastic partner.  So what prompted me to leave?  

seriously, look how cute we are. 

In a nut-shell, I needed a change.  Although I had that degree, I hadn't used it in the 5 years after I had graduated.  I was waiting tables, which I loved, but wasn't the career path I had always dreamed of.  And although the whole "Cheers" vibe I got whenever I walked into any establishment was nice at times, Milwaukee was starting to feel incredibly small.  After coming out, I realized how tiny (and very hard to become a part of) the queer community in Milwaukee was.  Things had started to become routine. 

Chicago seemed ideal - a bigger city with more opportunity and a larger queer scene.  And it was only an hour and a half driver back to my safe place, the city that housed everything I loved.  So despite nearly every part of me wanting me to stay, I packed my bags and I went.  

new home sweet home

So here I am.  A new girl in a city that is begging to be explored.  For your entertainment and my personal growth, I will attend girls nights, lesbian house parties, queer sporting events, kink workshops, and anything else lgbtq-related i can get my hands on.  These adventures will then be documented here :  the Queer Girl's Guide to a New City.  Let’s do this.