![]() ![]() ![]() But those in rural and red areas have far fewer resources - affirming sources of healthcare, community organizations, social support, and other vital services. Trans folks in both rural and urban communities experience discrimination and deep lack of access to resources. So what does this mean? It means that if we want to take care of LGBTQ people, we need to recognize the unique needs of those living in rural, and often politically red, parts of the US. The Census Bureau defines " rural" as any population, housing, or territory NOT in an urban area, and an " urban area" as a continuously built-up area with a population of 50,000 or more. The largest numbers of trans adults live in the US South, and about ⅔ of the South is rural. Estimates of trans people living in rural communities range from 16-29%. About 54% of trans people live in majority rural states, which means that some folks will live in suburban or cities within these states, and some will live in the rural parts. We know that most LGBTQ people live in rural or red areas, but the exact number of trans people living in rural communities is not fully understood. More than half of trans people (54%) in the US live in majority rural states. Yes gurl, in the red parts of the US map. They found that the majority (63%) of LGBTQ Americans live in the US South, Midwest, and Mountain regions. In 2019, the Williams Institute of the UCLA School of Law published an important report about the demographics of LGBTQ Americans. But more and more, queer and trans folks are staying put in their own communities. Many of us grew up watching Queer as Folk and the L Word, and just a generation or more ago, it was common for queer people to move away from their hometowns to find likeminded communities. When you tell yourself what Toni Morrison says: “You are not the work you do you are the person you are.” And when you hum along to what Abigail Bengson sings: “The world needs you more than it needs what you do.When we think of queer life, we often think of metropolitan areas like New York and LA, or progressive places like Portland, Seattle, and Oakland. When you make and take up sacred space that is distinctly separate from your job. You are at your strongest when you center your own wholeness. When you hold a deep love for BIPOC people in the center of all that you do, even when loving BIPOC people means the institution hates you. When you resist the structures that seek to quiet your inner voice and make you doubt your own spirit. You are bold when you listen to your gut and follow your instincts. There is real generational meaning and purpose in the work you are doing. On their behalf, let me tell you that your existence matters immensely to the young people in your care. Many more students fondly and silently carry your lessons with them. Some of those students come back later and let you know how much you meant to them. Your students grow up and move on to higher grades and forever remember your influence. You make an immeasurable impact just by showing up and being you. What happens from there is out of your capable hands. You derive your own sense of accomplishment from that which you can control, and make it your goal to speak your truth so that it is spoken. White supremacy is going to do what white supremacy is going to do. This failing is not a reflection on you, your work ethic, or your ability. At times, or all the time, the institution fails to act, respond, prepare, and strategize around racial justice. You are most powerful when you define your own success. You’ve got me and 4000 ancestors on your side. When your students see you, even if just through a window or a door, they know they are not alone. ![]() You are graceful when you stretch yourself to connect with BIPOC students while navigating your own workplace isolation. Like running into a dragon’s mouth to light a match, you place yourself in the crosshairs of white supremacy every day with the radical hope that change can be stoked anywhere. You are brilliant when you challenge the systems that seek to destroy us. ![]()
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