Abstract

Queer studies is a diverse and theoretically rich multidisciplinary field. Amidst this breadth of scope, a great deal of scholarship focuses on the lives of LGBTQIA+ individuals in major metropolitan areas, particularly those outside of the Southeastern United States (but see Gray 2009) . Indeed Gray’s discussion of the subversion of cities as “queer utopias” (Gray 2009) is the driving idea behind my research. However, within these studies of rural queers, there is typically a focus on LGBTQIA+ identities as related to sexualities rather than gender identities. The results of my research on the intersection of queer experiences in the rural Southeastern United States considered from an anthropological lens is an area that I discuss in this presentation. The purpose of this research is to explore whether or not Gender Non-Conforming (GNC) individuals from rural spaces throughout the Southeastern United States negotiate family relations and build community in these regions/within their hometowns or whether this community formation occurs elsewhere. These regions not only have particularly problematic histories with racialized violence, but also broadly celebrate norms and cultural practices which reinforce heteronormative standards of behavior and interaction. While the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have put constraints on the focus of participants solely from the rural, Southeastern United States, participants from other regions were invited to discuss their perspectives on such regional cultural comparisons.

Advisor

Navarro-Farr, Olivia

Department

Sociology and Anthropology

Disciplines

Social and Cultural Anthropology

Publication Date

2021

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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© Copyright 2021 Hayden Ruairí Nolan