With approximately 81% of UK residents living in an urban area, the fantasy of fleeing to the countryside may be a familiar one. The prospect of swapping the pollution, public transport and frosty attitudes of city folk for fresh air, community spirit and wholesome country walks can be appealing.
Since time immemorial, however, LGBT folks have flocked to cities seeking community and the freedom to be who they want to be, away from the judgements and gossip that are often assumed to characterise small towns and settlements. Concerns about “fitting in” in the countryside may be further amplified for those with multiple identities, for example BAME women. Is this portrayal accurate, however? We spoke with two women living the good life to find out more.