Queer Family and Rural Living
April 27, 2021
Hey Q Fam,
Over the past few weeks I have been reflecting on the intersections of queer family and rural communities. Recently I’ve been struck by the depth of relationships and care that comes with rural life. Living rurally demands transformative justice in a way that is easy to ignore in big cities. When there is a squabble or conflict in cities of hundreds of thousands, it can be easy to cancel each other and forget. However in our rural lives we can’t walk our dog or go to the grocery store without seeing the same people. Our environment insists we move together through conflict, to deepen, to stay, to care for each other even when it’s hard.
This dedication to collective healing, thriving, and transformation feels acutely queer to me. My experience of queer family is trust based, deeply rooted in community and mutual care, and glittering with love of each other even when we’re angry or hurt. In my three months at Out in the Open, I have witnessed in awe the power that exists at the intersections of queerness and ruralness. None more evident to me than that displayed by the amazing rural queer Out in the Open staff.
Since February, I’ve seen Ain and Eva provide extensive support and outreach to community members in struggle, advocate fiercely for legislation that protects LGBTQ people in Vermont, work in integrated partnership with representatives at several other local organizations, and commit deeply to improving relationship with each other. Ain brings a bubbling playful queer energy, the rich wisdom of lived experience, and a massive heart and dedication to serving our community. Eva brings a quiet and unyielding dedication to justice for all, a fierce ability to firmly, lovingly, and unapologetically speak truth to power, and a wild love for her queer people. Working alongside the devoted, thoughtful, heart-centered queer brilliance of Eva and Ain has nourished my weary heart and provided grounding in a time of chaos and suffering. Next week Executive Director HB Lozito will return from their sabbatical, and I for one am overflowing with gratitude to have three wise, big-hearted, well-connected rural queers advocating for and connecting us to each other.
I look forward to continuing to build, rebuild, and repair with you all in the days, months, and years ahead as we continue to grow and learn together. I am so grateful that these green mountains and you, my rural queer family, are my home.
Humbly yours,
Jo Lum
Interim Managing Director