Abstract
In this study, we explore the complex interplay between queer identity and Southern cultural narratives among rural college students in the U.S. Bible Belt. We integrated narrative inquiry and arts-based research to examine how participants personify the South within their own stories, revealing nuanced understandings of belonging and identity. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, participant-created artwork, and discussions about these artworks. Our findings illustrate a dynamic representation of the South as both a source of support and a site of conflict, highlighting the dual roles of community and marginalization in shaping rural queer Southern identities. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the cultural and personal narratives that inform queer experiences in traditionally conservative regions.
Methodological Approach
Qualitative
DOI
https://doi.org/10.60808/g5jn-da82
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Rutan, M. N., & Cain, L. K. (2026). The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Personifying the South in Rural Queer Collegians’ Stories. Journal of Queer and Trans Studies in Education, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.60808/g5jn-da82
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Included in
Education Commons, Gender and Sexuality Commons, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies Commons
