The Lives of Same Sex Couples in Mississippi

About the Session

Dr. John Marszalek III discusses what he learned from his interviews of same-sex couples living in small towns and rural areas of Mississippi, which are included in his book, Coming Out of the Magnolia Closet: Same Sex Couples in Mississippi (University Press of Mississippi, 2020). He will describe the complicated relationship between these couples and their communities, influenced by southern culture, religion, and family norms. Because the couples are diverse in age, race, gender, and religion/spirituality, their stories demonstrate how they negotiate aspects of their identities depending on the setting, people, and circumstances.

About the Presenter

Dr. John F. Marszalek III is a National Certified Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor in Mississippi. He is author of Coming Out of the Magnolia Closet: Same-Sex Couples in Mississippi, published by University Press of Mississippi, and winner of the 2020 Digital Book Worlds Award for Best Nonfiction and Best Published by a University Press.