John Wermuth was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and moved to Sylva from Atlanta, Georgia with his partner of 27 years. He shares his experience being a gay business owner in downtown Sylva and with the LGBTQ community of Jackson County in…
Morgan Hall graduated from WCU in 2019 and was involved in the sorority Phi Mu, campus ministry at the Wesley Foundation, the UP Program, and the Women's Club Rugby Team. She discusses her experience coming out freshman year after going to a Catholic…
Stacy Plumb discusses her coming out story while in high school and her relationship with the church. She also describes her experience as a freshman at WCU in the LGBTQ+ community
Lynnz works in the medical field and tells their coming out story. Lynnz also discusses their experience coming out in a sorority and their thoughts on Greek Life. They include their time in Jackson County and the differences between home, Greek…
Matthew Harris was born in Chapel Hill and moved to western North Carolina for college. He discusses his story coming out in high school, which details his family being homophobic before learning more about the subject. Harris also explains how gay…
John Miele tells about he and his partner moving to Jackson County and opening a small business in Dillsboro. They became active with the Merchant's Association and active in politics on the town and county level and were welcomed in the community.…
Dawn Neatherly talks about growing up in a liberal family and not being aware of issues surrounding sexuality. She attended Western Carolina University from 1980 to 1984 and again from 1986 to 1988 and talks about the lesbian and gay culture during…
Abby Tennant is from Wallburg, North Carolina. She discusses her relationship with her family after being forced to come out as a lesbian and her struggles as a result. Tennant also explains why she does not think Jackson County is inclusive to the…
Kassie Troy is from Clayton, North Carolina, and now lives in western North Carolina for college. She discusses coming out to her family in high school as a transgender female. Troy explains how much more inclusive Jackson County is compared to…
Lanie Kear discusses her process that led her to understand she was pansexual, starting in middle school when she came out as a lesbian. Kear feels fortunate to have an accepting family and friends and has experienced very few negative interactions.…