L(GBT+)ove Outside the City

Abstract

In popular media and academic literature, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals who live in rural environments are often viewed as outcasts, unable to find an intimate partner, leading to living an unfulfilling life. This idea, portrayed by media, has always felt like a trop and not a real indication of how 2SLGBTQ+ individuals who live in rural environments are actually existing. Through my research I hope to understand the real impacts of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals who live in rural environments through understanding how their environment impacts different aspects of their lives. The areas I have researched include access to healthcare and community support while also dealing with the public perceptions of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. These struggles all impact each individual’s sense of self, body image and identity for themselves and how they as individuals present themselves to the world. One’s ability for a strong presentation of self to the world plays a pivotal role, if and when an individual will engage in an intimate relationship. For my research I looked at various research articles, studies and news articles from all over the world to help create a well-rounded picture as there is not just one story when it comes to rural 2SLGBTQ+ individuals. Through my research I found that although 2SLGBTQ+ individuals do face hardship in accessing supportive healthcare and 2SLGBTQ+ youth do experience bullying in their school environments, not everything is negative. There are significant numbers of the 2SLGBTQ+ adult population who live rurally by choice.