I am so thankful to Haymarket Books, Rae Garringer, and Netgalley for granting me advanced access to this galley before publication day. I really enjoyed the dialogue and plot of this book and can’t wait to chat this one up with my friends!

A book after my little southern queer heart. Garringer crisscrosses the Bible Belt, collecting a scrapbook and oral history of various LGBTQ+ people living in the rural margins. The older interviewees—the elders who survived the AIDS crisis and more—are the best and most emotional part. It’s easy to get miffed when people act like the Brooklyn or San Francisco subcultures are the only ones that matter, or like gay and trans people don’t exist in the south except to be persecuted. Yes, the political climate is often dire, and there is a wealth of queer culture, community, and joy in the smallest and southernest of places. This documents the lived reality of the former with a celebration of the latter.

As a West Virginian queer, this book was such a breath of fresh air. Its so hard to find positive experiences and role models for queer people with my life experience. Every story about a country queer is about escaping to city gay life, and thats not been the path for me. I loved this collection of stories to show ways we can make space for ourselves anywhere
I will absolutley be reccoming this and can see myself gifting it to some other country queers this holiday season!

Super cute book! I really liked the cover as well. I can’t wait to recommend it to other friends! Make time to read this one!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is a wonderful book of interviews with queer people who live in the rural countryside in the USA, and these are both broad definitions so it is an interesting mix of people of different races, ages, genders, etc. from a variety of places.

I resonated so deeply with many of the things they talked about, like how it can feel so impossible to imagine you can belong both to the queer scene and simultaneously to the country scene when both somehow feel like home, and the moment they first realized this could be true for them. I criedddd, y'all. That moment for me was learning about queer country music through another amazing book, Queer Country by Shana Goldin-Perschbacher, which I would definitely recommend if you liked this!

The very specific cultural experience of southern/country manners and efforts at respect and coexistence often leading to a polite erasure of queer topics in southern culture- mannn, I felt that too! You can have family and friends that accept and love you, yet never speak a word about the topic of your queerness, and this is such a specific and complicated experience, and often the best outcome we can imagine after years of worrying that we will lose an entire deep-rooted, extended family network that is the backbone of our entire lives if we were to be honest about our queerness to them. This book reflects on these types of specific experiences of queer people who grew up in rural/country areas and how this has shaped them.

This book also captures the wish of its interviewees to remain in the rural/country areas where they live and were raised, and their connections to the land and nature there and the belonging they feel in their communities, which I think is not often talked about when telling queer stories.

My only wish is that this book were longer, or the (earlier especially) interviews had more of a flowing structure, because the questions felt random sometimes and I Kept wanting to hear much more about some of the people's stories. The older individuals in particular- as the author mentions, it is through their stories that you can really see not only how far we have come but really how much has been lost due to HIV/AIDS especially.

Overall I would definitely recommend this, it is a quick and easy read but really touched my heart.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this free ARC in exchange for an honest review. Pub date: October 8, 2024

Clearly a passion project spanning years, and clearly important work. It felt a bit disjointed to me despite being right there in the description—part photo book, part memoir, part oral history project—so that’s on me. I think the beginning of the book led me to believe it would focus more on the interviews and less on the author’s journey and commentary, but that wasn’t the case and I found myself wondering what to then focus my thought on and grasp some cohesion.

The interview excerpts are quite short and I found myself constantly yearning to hear more from these interviewees. There are many afterthoughts about how there is more to their stories but it isn’t being shared and that I can go listen to the podcast but if permission was given to have it on the podcast, why couldn’t it be included in the book? This was presented as discretion but it came across as just dangling a carrot, farming for podcast numbers, and left a lot of this feeling a bit incomplete.

Sharon P. Holland — the stand-out interview for me in here…I immediately wanted to hear more from her and I am thankful that she’s written a number of books that I can check out. Some people just exude knowledge so effortlessly and I don’t think any number of conversations with her could get me up to speed!

hello, not that you need them, but here are my credentials for reviewing this book: i am queer and i live in the country, specifically on an old highway in rural north carolina and i'm surrounded by cornfields on three sides.

i deeply appreciated a book that explored the nuances of being queer in the country (not just the south, too!) because based on the memes i see, the jokes on social media, it does seem like a lot of left-wing people tend to unilaterally assume that country people are trump-supporting rednecks. but! we exist! we exist in small, tiny communities. we are farmers, we're residents of land that's been in the hands of our families for generations, we're here and very present. so whenever i hear a political take about certain states being losing causes or resources being sent elsewhere because it's assumed queer people don't live in rural areas... i get very angry. and for that reason, i'm happy that this book exists.

this book is a collection of interviews from rural queers from all walks of life - black queers, trans queers, elder queers, lesbians, gays, pans, bisexuals, 2-spirit people. i really appreciated the dedication to making sure that the interviews weren't exclusively given by all cis, white queer people. i also really appreciate that each interview announced the interviewee's hometown as well as the indigenous tribes whose occupied land each person is/was living on.

there's so much here, so much about how living in these small, rural communities is in our blood and how hard it is to exist in a space where we're proud of where we're from while also existing happily in our queerness. this book also expressed the importance of documentation and history - how at every turn people will try to obfuscate, destroy, or otherwise edit the history of queer individuals and that often happens at the expense of unsupportive families simply wanting to put a deceased butch into a dress or read a eulogy about what a ladies' man a gay man who has died of aids was in life.

i found myself crying a LOT. it's pretty obvious that we're in kind of a queer insurgence within popular culture (i love you chappell roan) but i think often what's left out of the narrative are those of us who don't live in major cities, don't have access or safety to explore our identities the way that we constantly see in popular media.

if i had a criticism for this book, it would be that i wish it was about 5000 pages longer. i wish we'd learned more about the intersection of rural living and poverty, how both of those things have informed the rampant xenophobic nature of our neighbors, how people have lived and flourished in spite of those things. very excited to taking a listen to the podcast, though!

Country Queers by Rae Garringer is a delightful and uplifting read. At a time when our country is getting more divided and there are stereotypes of rural people, it is refreshing to read about diverse three dimensional people living in diverse and often supportive families and communities in rural areas across the U.S. the author and interview subjects bring in a good mixture of seriousness, fun and joy. I loved learning terms for self description like Fabulachian. I also appreciated the connection to land and concepts of home. I look forward to listening to the accompanying podcast. Thanks to Haymarket Books and NetGalley for the eARC.

So I know this is probably pretty obvious by the title, but it is the story of queer people who live in the country. As someone who lives in the country and usually only sees the negative side of this, I loved it. The stories were interesting and powerful. There was joy in this book and the photos were great!

5 stars

Drive across the United States with Rae Garringer as they explore small town life and the queer communities and people that prove we are truly everywhere (chuckle).

I’m always confessing to this one deed over and over again, but this time it wasn’t the cover that sold me but the title. I actually thought this book was about queer country singers (chuckle). There is a music station and social media group that promotes only rainbow country and I thought they had compiled a coffee table book of musicians.

Instead I got a nuanced and revealing page after page of raw story telling. People from across the United States share their intimate moments with Garringer to include the good and the bad. What I love the most about the biographies is the diversity. This is really what makes America so great (in my opinion). The different cultures, religions, and identities are explored here. The author doesn’t preach, they just let the voices ring clear. I do love how the Native American lands are listed and then the name most would recognize them as today is listed. (raising my hands high - woohoo!!!!)

I can’t pick a favorite because everyone’s story is important to hear. My recommendation is to do what I did. Read a story at a time. Pick one randomly. I think this would make a great addition to a high school reading list. Diversity matters and Rae Garringer just brought a great conversation starter to the table.

This one is for the Orville Peck/Chappel Roan fans.

This book successfully dismantles the myth that queer life thrives only in urban spaces, offering a much-needed counter-narrative about those who find love, community, and identity in the quiet, isolated, but fiercely resilient corners of the country.
A testament to the endurance of queer people in rural spaces and an invitation to consider a broader, more inclusive understanding of queer life in America. Highly recommend for readers interested in queer studies.

As a Cuntry Queer myself I was really excited to read this and hear stories like mine. Unfortunately, the introduction was the best part. I felt like the author didn't dig deep enough into each person's story and what I was left with was merely anecdotal. I did love the snappy writing and it does demonstrate the whole " We have always been here" attitude I was looking for, but I was left wanting more.

Picked this up because I cannot resist a book that claims to be a love letter to queerness, and I'm happy to say that this <i>Country Queers</i> lived up to my expectations. This book is exactly what it promises to be. I loved the variety of people whose stories were featured and getting to hear what each of them had to say. The book was also put together very well with pictures and interludes that made for a coherent narrative despite the isolated interviews. Definitely makes me want to check out the Country Queers podcast!

As a rural (but not quite country) queer, I was very intrigued by this book and I'm so glad it didn't disappoint! Storytelling and knowledge sharing is incredibly important in marginalized communities and Country Queers did an amazing job of providing a platform for so many unheard voices. I love how Rae Garringer considers the ethics of capturing these stories, and also makes a pointed effort to learn from others and include a diverse range of people in terms of gender, sexuality, age, and race.

This book was emotionally heavy at times, touching on homophobia, violence, the AIDS crisis, and more. Near the start of the book, Garringer points out that someone encouraged them to capture not only the sad parts of being queer but also to celebrate the joys. I believe Garringer did an incredible job of following through with this and making sure not to fall into the sad, tragic queers stereotypes mainstream media loves to pump out. The interviews in this book were insightful and inspiring, and I could tell a lot of care was put into choosing which excerpts to include from each person.

I also love the scrapbook vibes of Country Queers! It was so beautiful to see all the photos of everyone who was included in the book, especially just to show how diverse being queer is. There's no one way to look when you're queer.

Thank you to Netgalley and Haymarket Books for the eARC!

I received this book for free for an honest review from netgalley. Thank you for the opportunity.

More books need to be like this. Rural queers need more representation.

‘Country Queers’ by Rae Garringer is a unique and heartfelt blend of photo book, memoir, and oral history project that seeks to capture the lived experiences of queer and trans individuals in rural areas and small towns across the United States. Through personal narratives and powerful imagery, the book provides a window into the challenges and triumphs faced by LGBTQ+ communities in environments often overlooked in broader discussions about queer life.

Accuracy: ★★★★☆
The book does a commendable job of accurately depicting the diverse realities of queer and trans individuals in rural America. The stories shared are raw, authentic, and deeply personal, offering a truthful representation of life outside urban centres. However, the book could have benefited from additional context or commentary from experts in queer studies or rural sociology to further ground these narratives in a broader understanding of the systemic issues at play.

Perspective: ★★★☆☆
While ‘Country Queers’ offers a valuable perspective on the intersection of queerness and rural life, the focus is somewhat narrow, centring primarily on individual stories without delving deeply into the broader social, economic, and political factors that shape these experiences. The personal nature of the narratives is powerful, but the lack of a more analytical approach may leave readers with unanswered questions about the larger forces at work.

Relevance: ★★★☆☆
The relevance of this book is somewhat niche, as it specifically addresses the experiences of queer and trans individuals in rural and small-town settings. While this is an important and often underrepresented topic, the book may not resonate as strongly with readers who do not share these specific experiences or interests. Additionally, the relevance might be limited by the book’s focus on the United States, potentially excluding readers from other rural contexts around the world.

Engagement: ★★☆☆☆
The book’s engagement level is somewhat lacking. While the stories and images are compelling, the pacing and structure of the book can feel disjointed at times, making it difficult to maintain a consistent level of interest. The combination of different formats—photos, memoirs, oral histories—while innovative, may also contribute to a sense of fragmentation, reducing the overall impact of the narrative.

Readability: ★★★☆☆
‘Country Queers’ is moderately readable, with accessible language and straightforward storytelling. However, the varying formats and shifts between personal stories and visual elements can make the reading experience feel uneven. Some readers might struggle with the lack of a clear narrative thread, which could have been improved with a more cohesive structure.

Enjoyment: ★★☆☆☆
While the book is a valuable and important contribution to the documentation of queer rural life, it may not be the most enjoyable read for everyone. The emotional weight of the stories, combined with the somewhat fragmented presentation, can make it a challenging book to fully immerse oneself in. Readers looking for a more cohesive and uplifting narrative may find this book difficult to fully enjoy.


‘Country Queers’ by Rae Garringer is a poignant and necessary exploration of queer and trans life in rural America, offering a rare glimpse into the experiences of those living outside of urban LGBTQ+ communities. While the book excels in capturing the authenticity of these stories, its narrow focus, fragmented structure, and emotionally heavy content may limit its appeal to a broader audience. Nonetheless, it remains an important work for those interested in the intersection of queerness and rural life, even if it may not be the most engaging or enjoyable read for all.

This was very good. I loved the different perspectives and stories. It was neatly put together and I loved the collages. Thanks NetGallery

Thoroughly enjoyed this little collection of interviews and photographs. Garringer weaves a wonderful, enrapturing web of rural queer life. My favorite interview was the one of the men talking about their experience with the AIDs epidemic. Very moving. I do wish the interviews were a little longer though.

As someone who grew up in North Carolina and identifies as queer, I found myself intantly drawn to this book. I'm very glad i picked it up because it was such a wonderful book filled with beautiful stories. I'm going to give the podcast a listen as well, to hear more.

!!!!!!!!! This was fantastic. I loved all the photos and stories/interviews from people all over the country and from all walks of life talking about their experiences being queer. And I really liked seeing the way this project evolved over the ~10 years since Garringer started working on it. The way they learned more about how to conduct interviews, what to talk about, how they specifically made a point to reach out to a more diverse pool of people after the initial road trip in 2013, etc.

Not to drag a similar book I read last month, but this is EXACTLY what I wanted Real Queer America to be, and now I want to drop my rating of that one even lower lol. They have similar premises, but I like that despite the fact that I also learned a decent amount about the author in this, they put the focus on the people they were interviewing, and didn’t do a bunch of navelgazing about why cities suck and why all queer people who live in cities are miserable.

Thanks to NetGalley and Haymarket Books for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. Unlike the other reviews, I didn’t have any issues with my NetGalley file, so don’t be discouraged from reading it for that reason, they seem to have worked out the issues.