K. Crosby

In recent years, LGBTQ representation has increased dramatically. Queer culture as displayed in the media brings to mind night clubs and drag shows, rainbow flags and pride parades. The narrative of the young queer person that runs away from their rural roots, dons brightly colored clothes and glittery makeup and  finds themselves in the big city has become a staple.  But what about the queer community that isn't urban? The narrative that in order to be queer you must abandon your rural roots creates a culture of shame surrounding rural origins. It creates the false idea that you have to choose between your heritage and your queerness, and either choice means abandoning an essential part of yourself. Ignoring LGBTQ community in Appalachia not only erases the existence and needs of this community, but also continues to perpetrate the harmful stereotypes that paint all Appalachian people as bigoted, unaccepting, and incapable of change. I was born in an Appalachian town with a population of 560 people. I  still live and work in the same county in which I grew up. I've met many people that don't understand how I can continue to identify as a rural Appalachian while also embracing and celebrating my queer identity. Being Appalachian and being LGBTQ are not mutually exclusive. The mountains belong to us all.