ABSTRACT
Studies regarding the planning profession and the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and queer (LGBTQ) community have been dominated by a metrocentric focus. Over the past 50 years residents of cities have seen profound changes in level of acceptance for these non-normative sexual and gender identities. The situation of LGBTQ people living in rural areas has not been studied to the same extent. This lack of attention limits the ability of planners to identify needs and utilize tools for improving the livelihood of this marginalized segment of the public they serve. This chapter consolidates key research regarding rurality and queerness to increase the planning profession’s awareness of community development, services and infrastructure, including HIV/AIDS support, as they relate to the lives of rural queers. The chapter draws on literature primarily generated in the United States and the United Kingdom, and uses queer theory to critically approach subjects ranging from access to spaces and services to the impact of community and institutional structures (e.g. religious, social, political, cultural, familial) on rural queers. To conclude, potential directions for research and policy focuses are identified and briefly addressed.
