Understanding Rural Health through Rae Garringer's Country Queers: A Love Letter

Authors

Bradley A. Firchow, University of Kentucky College of MedicineFollow

Corresponding Author

Bradley A. Firchow: bradley.firchow@uky.edu

Author Affiliations

Bradley A. Firchow, MD Candidate, Medical student, Rural Physician Leadership Program, University of Kentucky College of Medicine (Morehead KY); E-mail: bradley.firchow@uky.edu; ORCiD: https://orcid.org/ 0009-0009-5770-7203

Author Area of Expertise

Rural Health, Appalachian Health, Primary Care, Local Health Departments, Community Health Assessment

Abstract

Rae Garringer’s Country Queers: A Love Letter examines the experiences of queer individuals in rural America, emphasizing the relationship between place and identity. Through oral histories, the book presents perspectives on community, resilience, and healthcare access. While not centered on medical care, it highlights challenges in obtaining affirming services in rural areas. Garringer’s experience as a standardized patient provides additional context on healthcare gaps. For public health professionals, Country Queers offers insight into the structural and social factors affecting rural LGBTQ2+ populations, contributing to a broader understanding of community health and identity in Appalachia and similar regions.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.13023/jah.0703.11

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Recommended Citation

Firchow BA. Understanding rural health through Rae Garringer's Country Queers: A Love Letter. J Appalach Health 2025; 7(2/3):155-159. DOI: https://doi.org/10.13023/jah.0703.11