Queer Country Crossroads Stories of Strength, Struggle, and Belonging from Rural Canada

Queer Country Crossroads is an anthology of nonfiction stories and poems written by and for rural 2SLGBTQIA+ folks. Fifty writers, poets, and artists from across Canada share personal stories that explore themes from coming of age and isolation to community and home. Each person’ s story is unique: some reflect on growing up in rural settings while others describe their experiences of moving to the countryside later in life. Together, these voices offer diverse perspectives and insights into the strengths and hardships that come with living at the intersection of being rural and queer. Queer Country Crossroads serves as a beautiful reminder of people’ s resilience, love and strength.

Mabe is a peer support specialist in practice and an expressive arts therapist in training. They are the co-chair and co-founder of Brant Pride, a queer community organization in the County of Brant, Ontario They were selected as a Community Changemaker by 8 80 Cities, a not-for-profit based in Toronto, and as a Rural Community Changemaker by the Ontario Rural Institute. In their personal work, Mabe Kyle uses poetry as a tool to express, collaborate, and educate, finding creative ways to weave poetry into their work, from academics to drag performances.