Tag: LGBTQ+ in Rural Areas
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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…
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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.
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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…
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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…
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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.
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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.
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Raised with Pride: How Theo Navigates his Journey Through Queerness, Disability, and Advocacy with Strong Support from Mom
Theo, a trans masculine nonbinary young adult from West Virginia, reflects on their journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Encountering confusion by conventional societal views on sexuality and gender, Theo found support through their mom’s all inclusive approach to the world. Despite struggles with mental and physical health, including POTS and EDS, they are now actively…
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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…
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Exploring Queer Artistic Visions through a Disabled Lens
Seren, a genderqueer artist in the northern tip of West Virginia, is passionate about history and working with their disabilities through artistic expression. They strive to give voice to the voiceless through alternative visual art.
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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…