Reimagining Rural Life: The Radical Faerie Movement and Gay Communal Living in Appalachia

Abstract

This research project examines the Radical Faerie movement within the broader back-to-the-land movement in Appalachia, exploring why a subculture of the gay community chose to relocate to rural areas in the 1970s and 1980s. This study situates the movement within the larger context of several movements within this era, such as the gay rights movement and counterculture. I seek to explore the dynamics - including but not limited to gender, race, and class - of two communes that are fairly local to East Tennessee: Running Water Farm in Bakersville, North Carolina and Short Mountain Sanctuary in Liberty, TN. A key component of my research involves analyzing RFD magazine, a rural gay publication that provides insight into the culture, challenges, and aspirations of these communities. Additionally, I aim to explore how surrounding Appalachian communities reacted to Radical Faerie communes. At this stage, I seek feedback on my research approach, particularly in identifying additional primary sources and effectively contextualizing the movement within both rural and LGBTQ+ history.

Start Time

16-4-2025 9:00 AM

End Time

16-4-2025 10:00 AM

Room Number

272

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

Presentation Subtype

Research-in-Progress

Presentation Category

Social Sciences

Faculty Mentor

Tom Lee

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Apr 16th, 9:00 AM Apr 16th, 10:00 AM

Reimagining Rural Life: The Radical Faerie Movement and Gay Communal Living in Appalachia

272

This research project examines the Radical Faerie movement within the broader back-to-the-land movement in Appalachia, exploring why a subculture of the gay community chose to relocate to rural areas in the 1970s and 1980s. This study situates the movement within the larger context of several movements within this era, such as the gay rights movement and counterculture. I seek to explore the dynamics - including but not limited to gender, race, and class - of two communes that are fairly local to East Tennessee: Running Water Farm in Bakersville, North Carolina and Short Mountain Sanctuary in Liberty, TN. A key component of my research involves analyzing RFD magazine, a rural gay publication that provides insight into the culture, challenges, and aspirations of these communities. Additionally, I aim to explore how surrounding Appalachian communities reacted to Radical Faerie communes. At this stage, I seek feedback on my research approach, particularly in identifying additional primary sources and effectively contextualizing the movement within both rural and LGBTQ+ history.