ABSTRACT
Karen*, an Anglo woman from the urban West Coast, moved to a rural community in New Mexico four years ago. Her partner, Mary*, an American Indian woman, was from the area and had family there. Karen was an underpaid school teacher, while Mary worked odd jobs. Terrified about losing her teaching position-the couple’s main source of income-Karen let few people know that she was a lesbian. The transition from urban to rural life was not easy for Karen, who became despondent and socially isolated. While Mary did her best to help Karen adjust to the new surroundings, Karen remained emotionally distressed and, occasionally, was suicidal.
