Category: Coming Out Stories
This project is becoming a book.
Explore more of these journeys in Northern Lights, Northern Lives.
→ Follow the Kickstarter prelaunch page to be part of bringing it to life
-
Asexuality and Figuring out Gender: Emma’s Young Appalachian Experience
Emma, a queer Appalachian person, navigates her identity as an asexual lesbian in conservative West Virginia. She finds empowerment through community, literature, and activism. Though considering leaving for a city, she values her roots and the connections here. Emma’s story highlights the importance of finding authentic self expression through books and community connections.
-
Painting a Life: An Appalachian Artist’s Journey Toward Trans with no Boundaries
Sassa, a 43-year-old trans artist from Huntington, West Virginia, embraces his identity through art while actively participating in the local queer community. He focuses on personal acceptance regardless of specific assumptions and definitions of being trans. One of his notable projects, “100 Bad Ass Women,” deepened his understanding of himself and his journey towards embracing…
-
After Top Surgery: How Fox Reclaimed Their Voice and Body as a Trans-masculine Artist
Fox, a transmasculine nonbinary person from Winchester, Virginia, shares their transformative experience after top surgery during a singing audition. They discover true connectedness to their body and emotions through the experience of singing after top surgery. Fox found themselves incredulous that they had been missing out on this deep connection.
-
A Journey from Christian Roots as a Genderqueer, Black Lesbian in the Heart of Appalachia
Mack, a genderqueer lesbian of color from Southern West Virginia, embraces their Appalachian roots. Growing up in a loving Black American family influenced by Christianity, Mack was afraid to come out. Now in culinary school, they embrace cooking. music and exploring West Virginia’s beauty. They talk about the huge need for queer community and conversation…
-
Katrina’s Story: Growing Up Poor, Queer, and Unapologetic in Appalachia
Katrina, a genderqueer and bisexual person in West Virginia, grew up with a repressive household and worked through shame to embrace her identity over time. After coming out of the closet to friends, they found empowerment in authenticity and community. Now embracing their androgyny that has always existed, they seek to uplift others navigating their…
-
Beyond the Binary in North Carolina: Nikk’s Story of Gender Joy, Chronic Illness, and Cosmic Connection
Nikk is a non-binary, queer, and polyamorous individual living in North Carolina, originally from Kaneohe, Hawaii. Their identity weaves through different cultural backgrounds and experiences, including chronic illness and a journey with gender fluidity. Nikk values self-expression and embraces their body and gender journey in all its complexity.