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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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
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…
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…
Karson Walston moved to Jackson County in 2004 and discusses his experience transitioning to a man while operating his own business. He talks about his relationship with his father during his transition and getting married. He discusses the lack of…
Lyd Shelley is bisexual and uses he, she, they pronouns interchangeably. She grew up in Asheville and coming to Western soon after the 2016 election felt more conservative to her than her high school experience. Shelly discusses her time at Western…