“Solitude is not the absence of love, but its complement.” — Hermann Hesse
Start Here with The Queer Hermit – A Gentle Beginning
If you’ve ever felt most at peace in stillness, most yourself in solitude, or most seen in the quiet spaces between conversations, welcome. You’re not alone here.
This blog was created as a resting spot for those of us who walk a quieter path. Whether you’re queer, introverted, off-grid, or simply seeking a life with more meaning and less noise, The Queer Hermit is for you.
I write from a small corner of the Appalachian woods, where each day is shaped by intention, simplicity, and a deep love for solitude. This space holds stories, tools, reflections, and quiet encouragement for those who choose to stay put instead of chase the world.
There’s no need to be loud here. There’s no need to perform.
Just bring your full self — especially the parts that feel unseen.
Who I Am and Why I Built This Space
I’m Robert—writer, off-grid dweller, and the person behind The Queer Hermit. I live tucked away in the Appalachian woods of West Virginia, where the days move a little slower and the silence has room to breathe.
This life didn’t start with a grand plan. It began after loss—after saying goodbye to my partner of almost 40 years. His name was Donnie. In the quiet that followed, I found myself drawn back to the kind of solitude that had always felt like home, even as a child. Not lonely—just still. Not empty—just honest.
Moving off-grid wasn’t about disappearing. It was about reappearing in my own life.
I built this blog as a kind of lantern for others walking a similar path. For queer folks who love their own company. For introverts who find joy in rituals, wild spaces, and small comforts. For anyone who knows that self-discovery doesn’t require noise—just space.
This isn’t a place for preaching or posturing. It’s a place to breathe. To explore. To remember that solitude can be soft. And strong.
How to Navigate the Blog
There’s no rush here.
New posts are published twice a week—some practical, some reflective, all grounded in the same quiet spirit. You’re welcome to explore based on what speaks to you in the moment. Maybe today it’s a pantry tip. Maybe tomorrow it’s a memory wrapped in stillness.
You can browse by category if you’re drawn to a certain theme—like solitude, off-grid living, or frugal habits. Or just read freely, letting curiosity be your guide. Either way, you’re in good company.
Over time, I’ll highlight a few foundational or favorite posts here to help new readers settle in. For now, feel free to roam.
If you’d like to go a bit deeper, you’re invited to download my Mindful Solitude Workbook—a quiet companion for those seeking reflection and clarity. You’ll find the link on the homepage or in the newsletter sign-up form when you’re ready.
This blog is designed to be a soft place to land, not a maze to figure out. Follow your own rhythm.
Your Community Invitation
The Queer Hermit isn’t just a blog—it’s a resting place for people who feel deeply. You don’t have to explain your quiet. You don’t have to apologize for needing space.
This space was created with people like you in mind—introverts, deep thinkers, quiet creatives, and those living off the well-worn path. If you’ve ever longed for a kind of connection that doesn’t demand performance, this might feel like home.
You’re invited to engage however feels right:
- Leave a comment if a post speaks to you.
- Subscribe to the newsletter for a slow, steady rhythm of updates and reflections.
- Or simply read in silence, knowing you’re not alone.
There’s room here for all kinds of quiet.
A Place to Begin Again
Maybe this is your first visit. Maybe you’ve been circling the idea of a slower, quieter life for a while. Either way, this is a place to begin—or begin again.
Solitude isn’t something to escape from. It can be something we step into with intention. With care. With curiosity about who we really are when the noise fades.
If you feel ready, here are a few questions to carry with you. You don’t need answers—just honesty.
🪞 Reflection Prompts:
- When do I feel most like myself?
- What parts of solitude do I resist—and why?
- What would it mean to live more gently with myself?
Let these questions sit with you, like a cup of tea growing warmer in your hands. This is your space now, too. I hope the “Start Here With The Queer Hermit” has made your visit a good one.
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https://www.youtube.com/@TheQueerHermit
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