Brandon Rothrock: Navigating the Intersection of Environment and LGBTQ+ Identities in Appalachia
Brandon Rothrock, a geography Ph.D. student and EmPOWERment NSF Research Trainee at The Ohio State University, recently joined the Agents of Change in Environmental Justice podcast to discuss the intersection of the environment and LGBTQ+ identities, as well as emerging climate and health issues in Appalachia. The podcast, which features stories and big ideas from past and present fellows, provides a platform for discussing important topics in the field.
During the podcast, Rothrock shared insights into his personal experiences growing up in Northwest New Jersey, a rural community surrounded by cornfields and a tight-knit neighborhood. He discussed how his hearing disability, which he discovered at age two, and coming out as a gay man in a conservative community shaped his identity and influenced his work in environmental and social justice.
Rothrock’s research focuses on the perceptions of climate change and the environment among LGBTQ+ students at universities in Appalachia. He found that students had complex experiences with their sexuality, the environment, and climate change, with many students transitioning to more progressive environmental stances as they became exposed to climate change education and queer communities in college.
Looking at the current environmental and climate issues in Appalachia, Rothrock highlighted the region’s historical ties to coal and the ongoing transition to oil and gas industries. He discussed the challenges faced by the region, including environmental degradation, political shifts, and economic uncertainties.
In his future research, Rothrock plans to study the intersection of LGBTQ+ individuals and environmental issues in the Ohio River Valley, focusing on energy extraction injustice and the impacts on queer livelihoods. He aims to incorporate queer perspectives and experiences into research and policymaking, advocating for greater inclusivity and equity in environmental justice efforts.
Outside of his academic research, Rothrock is actively involved in activism and outreach, serving as a board member for Out for Sustainability and running his own website, The Inclusive Environment. Through these roles, he mentors recent graduates and individuals looking to enter the environmental sector, promoting visibility and advocacy for queer and environmental issues.
Overall, Rothrock remains optimistic about the future, driven by the collective efforts of his colleagues and the impact of their work in creating positive change in the world. He finds peace and connection in nature, particularly around bodies of water, where he feels most connected to the environment and the world around him.