ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to add to such research in further disrupting the bifurcated view of the rural as either a space which queers do not inhabit, as a space of discrimination and intolerance, or as a rural ideal preferred and chosen, against the city. Lesbian and gay life conducted in cosmopolitan, progressive urban areas for example New York City and San Francisco in the United States of America and London, Brighton and Manchester in the United Kingdom. In considering other rural geographies, Smith and Holt focus attention on non-metropolitan sexualities, attempting to rewrite geographies of gentrification to take account of sexualized rural as well as urban gentrification. Initial conversation with Margaret, the organizer of the Rural Lesbian Group, indicated the difficulties of conducting research into a sensitive issue with a 'hard to reach', 'out of place' rural group. Women from the Highlands particularly lacked social space although monthly discos in temporary accommodation were sometimes hosted by the Rural Lesbian Group.
