Real Queer America: LGBT Stories from Red States – Samantha Allen
As a “red state” gay, I can’t say there are many books that accurately depict or explore our experiences — at least the positive ones. Yes, many queer people flee oppressive communities, but just as many stay — out of choice or need — and live openly and authentically.
Samantha Allen, a trans woman raised in the Mormon church, is a proud red state queer. In “Real Queer America,” she revisits the places that helped shape her, specifically while transitioning, and spotlights the everyday advocates in these communities helping to make the next generation of red state queers one that doesn’t feel like it needs to flee to a coast to be happy.
The structure is not unlike what Jeremy Atherton Lin tried to do with “Gay Bar: Why We Went Out.” That book failed (in my opinion) by only focusing on spaces catering to cis-gendered men in major cities, and by shaming gays that don’t view anonymous sex in bathrooms as “community building.”
Allen, on the other hand, made this a story for most identities under the rainbow — bringing in perspectives of trans, nonbinary, gay, lesbian, bisexual and straight allies — and not just the white ones. She weaved her experiences seamlessly into the narrative of other interviewees, which made this both personal and enlightening to broader issues. While many places are viewed through rose-colored glasses, she doesn’t sugar coat the pros and cons of living in Utah, Texas, Indiana, Tennessee, Mississippi or Georgia.
This road trip took place in 2017, and the specter of the Trump administration’s anti-trans efforts were top of mind. Now five years later, the United States has changed in drastic, and in some cases regressive, ways that make this book feel a little quaint. Still, there’s inspiration and hope to be found in the people that refuse to give up a fight.
Honestly, I felt seen and affirmed in this book. Specifically in the chapter dedicated to Bloomington — a haven in deep red southern Indiana. I’m a born and raised Hoosier that left the state in 2014 at the height of Mike Pence’s governorship.
It was cathartic to hear how Indiana queers have rebounded from his harmful policies and continue to push forward progress. In fact, the current Republican governor, Eric Holcomb, vetoed a measure barring transgender girls from playing girls’ sports, although he was ultimately overruled by the Republican controlled state house and senate.
Even after leaving Indiana, I’ve spent my entire life living in metropolitan areas throughout the Midwest and have protested harmful legislation in state capitols more times than I’d like to admit.
Still, the desire to move to New York, San Francisco or even Chicago never appealed to me, because what you gain in culture and resources you often lose in community and money.
Some of the beliefs and opinions shared in “Real Queer America,” may be difficult for blue state or big city gays to fully understand. However, if you’ve been to the only queer space in a town where everyone congregates because there are no niche options, then you’ve experienced the queer community building Allen celebrates here.
Allen is a gifted writer and interviewer who was able to balance making this book somewhat of a memoir while also not making it fully about her. She writes in a conversational and descriptive style that helps immerse you in these communities, whether you’ve lived in one or not.
My primary complaints were that each chapter was a tad long and bordered on repetition, and it does shame big city queers to a certain extent — almost elevating those that stay in red states to sainthood status.
I fully agree with Allen’s assessment that the quick progress of queer rights is, in large part, driven by the visibility of those that have sheltered in place, and it’s time we got recognition for the fights — both big and small — we continue to wage.
The audiobook was narrated by Allen, and while not a voice professional, her intimacy with the subject matter and interviewees helped overcome her shortcomings with delivery. If you don’t usually like reading nonfiction, it’s a solid option since this is a book that should be read widely.
Rating (story): 4.5/5 stars
Rating (narration): 3/5 stars
Formats: Audiobook (library loan)
Dates read: May 28 – June 3, 2022
Multi-tasking: Good to go. The chapters are long so it’s good listening for activities, like walking, gardening and cleaning.
