It seems like every time we read the news LGBTQ+ rights are under attack someplace. Yet, we always hear wonderful stories from queer people about how amazing the country, state, city, town, neighborhood, or cabin in the woods where they live really is.
This year’s IHS reading challenge will focus on books set in different parts of the world. We think it’s vital to show that sapphic people not only exist but are everywhere.
We also want to hear from authors and readers about where they live. If you’d like to share your experiences, click here for the interview form.
Today, M. E. Tudor is here to tell us about Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA.
Where in the world will you be taking us today?
Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA
Tell us in one sentence what’s so special about living in this place.
There are a lot of queer friendly places in our community, and a lot community support.
How long have you lived there? Or, if you no longer live in this place, how long were you there and when did you leave?
26 Years
What is/was it like being a sapphic (or LGBTQ+) person living in this place?
When I first started living here, I was worried about being out, but the city has changed a lot over the years. I work part-time at the public library and Walmart, and both are full of queer people on the staff and in management.
What about living in this place gives you hope?
There is a lot of concern in the community about our fellow citizens whether your LBGTQ+, homeless, from another nation, or whatever your circumstances are and that gives me a lot of hope.
Are there any challenges to living in this place, either as a queer person or more generally?
The cost of living has skyrocketed here in the past few years, and that’s for everyone. When I first moved here the cost of living was much lower and the pay at a lot of places was higher than average, but that has all changed making it a real struggle to live here financially.
For someone who has never been there, what’s the one thing that they must see or do if visiting your area?
If you come to Bowling Green and are a car lover, you should visit the Corvette Museum and plant where they make the cars. If you are a nature lover, you should visit Mammoth Cave. It’s one of the largest cave systems in the world and a short 45-minute drive from Bowling Green.
What’s the one type of regional food and/or drink they absolutely must try?
If you like beer and socializing, I would strongly suggest you check out the White Squirrel brewery.
Do you have a favorite local restaurant? What makes it special?
I recently discovered that I have a gluten intolerance, so my new favorite place to visit is Awaken Bakery where everything is gluten free.
Meet M. E. Tudor
I’m a transplant to Kentucky having originally been from Indiana, but I’ve lived in Texas, Florida and Colorado. My two grown daughters live near me as do four of my seven grandchildren.
I’ve been writing lesbian fiction for fourteen years now and I’ve published sixteen stories on Amazon. I’ve had a bit of slow writing period, but I have new book coming out soon.
