Tag: LGBTQ Appalachia
This project is becoming a book.
Explore more of these journeys in Northern Lights, Northern Lives.
→ Pre-order on Kickstarter with a late pledge to be part of bringing it to life.
-
Bloom Where You’re Planted: The Flower Daddy Cultivating Queer Joy in Appalachia
In a town with few protections for LGBTQ+ folks, florist and activist Jamie—aka The Flower Daddy—is helping queer Appalachia bloom with pride.
-
Queer and Appalachian: Exploring LGBTQ+ Life in West Virginia
What does it mean to be queer in West Virginia—a state often overlooked, misunderstood, or written off as too conservative for LGBTQ+ life to thrive? During a three-week road trip across the Mountain State, I met queer Appalachians who are deeply rooted in their land and culture, embracing pride in the complexities of their communities.…
-
Tending the Hearth: A Nonbinary Life Rooted in Appalachian Pride and Self-Actualization
In the quiet mountains of southern West Virginia, Dakota is building a life that defies easy categories. Nonbinary, deeply Appalachian, and fiercely rooted in community, they have carved out a space where gender diversity is not just endured, but celebrated – sometimes in quietly content solitude. Dakota’s story is about more than survival — it’s…
-
From Oil City to Charleston: A Kinkster’s Life in Gender, Geekdom, and Appalachia
What does it mean to be a queer kinkster, lifelong anime fan, and healthcare worker navigating gender expression in Appalachia? From Pokémon plushies to platform clogs, Sam (he/ze/they) shares his personal journey that stretches from Oil City, PA to Charleston, WV. His coming out stories stretch decades back, enveloping passions for nerdy interests and the…
-
Embracing Transition Later in Life while meeting the Challenges of being a Queer Appalachian
Janine, a self described displaced Polish American Hillbilly, grew up in the mountains of West Virginia, where life was beautiful—as long as she stayed within the lines. It wasn’t until after fifty that she began transitioning, as well as finding joy on the open road. Now a proud woman, mother, and grandmother, Janine shares her…
-
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…
-
Embracing Androgyny and being a Woman, Carrie reflects on her work Treating Transgender Patients
Carrie, a nurse practitioner in Parkersburg, West Virginia, reflects on her journey providing gender-affirming hormone therapy and how it has shaped her views on gender. Despite growing up in an environment with limited LGBTQ+ understanding, Carrie has become a strong ally, empowering transgender individuals on their path to self-discovery and acceptance. Her work in a…
-
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 Resilient Trans Experience Living Authentically through Homelessness and Family Estrangement
Daniel, a trans masc nonbinary person from the western edge of West Virginia, is passionate about music and art. He has navigated his trans identity through tumultuous challenges, including homelessness and family estrangement. Despite past struggles, he embraces his true self and seeks to inspire others to do the same.