Country Connections and Coterie Conflicts: Examining How Queer Appalachians Experience Community

Abstract

Queer communities in Appalachia contain a unique set of strengths and vulnerabilities that impact their formation and outcomes. Higher amounts of poverty and religiosity in Appalachia follow the model of minority stress theory and create additional challenges for queer Appalachians. This project examined how these individuals experience their communities, and how this impacts their mental and sometimes physical health. Through interviewing 8 queer Appalachians and employing reflexive thematic analysis, I constructed five key themes that exemplify participant’s experiences. These themes are 1). Many of the other negative experiences within these communities can be traced to a high prevalence of intergenerational trauma and widespread poverty, and queer people in south-central Appalachia understand this. 2). Reactions to those that cause harm are different: queer Appalachians have complicated, often bitter feelings towards religion, contrasted with a deep empathy for fellow queer community members. This is likely because of theme 3)., which is the presence of deep and emotional ties that encourage queer people to rely on each other for support, especially given that this support is denied to them from other traditional places of support in Appalachia, like the church and family. 4). Queer Appalachians very intentionally distinguished themselves from other queer communities around the United States, and had a sense of pride in this difference. Finally, 5). Despite growing political hostility, there was still a sense of hope, and many interviewees gave suggestions on what would help facilitate a better future for this community. This thesis examines these themes and explains their nuances to provide a clear and empathetic insight into this unique and resilient population. By doing this, we can work towards culturally-conscious solutions that address the systemic injustices faced by queer Appalachians.