Dr. Allison Carey presented her research on “LGBTQ Literature in Appalachia” at The Sarah Denman Faces of Appalachia Symposium Monday evening.

The presentation took place at the Francis Booth Experimental Theatre and a reception in the foyer of the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse followed immediately.

Carey’s presentation was followed by three respondents, Dr. Cody Lumpkin, Jeff Mann and Julia Watts.

Carey commented on excerpts from various Appalachian essays and works either written by LGTBQ authors or about LGBTQ characters and themes.

Carey pointed out several themes in the relationship between Appalachian and LGBTQ cultures, such as food and pictures.

In her presentation, Carey noted other researches who have asserted the difficulty of juggling both subcultures of being gay and being Appalachian.

Carey admired authors for leaning into the presence of LGBTQ themes and characters in Appalachia, rather than making the two cultures mutually exclusive.

Following Carey’s presentation, each respondent focused on specific details of Carey’s research and expanded on them.

Lumpkin, a Visiting Assistant Professor of English at Marshall University, zeroed in on Carey’s discussion of food as an identification of Appalachia.

Mann, professor of creative writing at Virginia Tech, agreed with Carey’s claim that there is a lack of study of LGBTQ literature in Appalachia, but noted sources such as “Appalachian Journal,” which include some studies.

Mann noted several other studies relating to Carey’s research.

“I’m basically just giving you stuff for your bibliography at this point,” Mann said, gesturing to Carey.

“LGTBT writing is pretty much ignored, which is one of the reasons we’re here, because you’re trying to rectify that,” Mann said.

Watts, author of several novels about LGBTQ life in Appalachia, commented on Carey’s food theme as well. She said she noticed upon reading Carey’s research that in her own writing, new food experiences are connected to new sexual experiences.

“One form of pleasure can pave the way for others,” Watts said.

The four speakers became a panel as audience members asked questions. Questions included such subjects as the dichotomy of rural Appalachia versus urban Appalachia and chronological changes in LGBTQ literature.

Gloriya Mavrova, sophomore economics major, said she attended the presentation for her honors seminar, and she thought it was an interesting way to open awareness.

Jeff Tigchelaar said his wife is a professor at Marshall and they each try to attend events on campus.

“I thought they did a really nice job,” Tichelaar said. “They were informative and clear, and they were humorous, too.”

Tigchelaar said discussions that bring hidden things to the light are valuable.

“There’s such a diversity of people, whether we know it or not,” Tigchelaar said. “There’s all kinds even in a place like Huntington, West Virginia, and everyone deserves a voice.”

Lydia Waybright can be contacted at [email protected].