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Reducing The Isolation Of LGBTQ People In Rural Areas--Through Dance

Marchers unfurl a rainbow flag at the Equality March for Unity and Pride in Washington, D.C., in June.
Carolyn Kaster
/
AP
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There's a long record of repression and outright violence against gay, lesbian, and trans people across the country. Support networks, and acceptance, have grown over time.

But that growing process can be slower in rural areas. So Beyond Boom & Bust, which is dedicated to promoting resilience in rural Southern Oregon, devised the "OUT Dance Project," a way to connect LGBTQ people in rural Oregon through story and dance.

Beyond Boom and & Bust is based in the Illinois Valley. That's where we find Sophie Traub and Eliot Feenstra, who put the project together for a virtual tour in March. The online sessions can still be viewed on the web.

Sophie and Eliot visit with details of what happened, how the events will be added to the Gay & Lesbian Archives of the Pacific Northwest, and what the next project might be.

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The Jefferson Exchange is Jefferson Public Radio's daily talk show focused on news and interests across our region of Southern Oregon and Northern California. Angela Decker is the senior producer, Charlie Zimmermann is the assistant producer, and Geoffrey Riley hosts the show.