Does Place of Residence Matter? Rural–Urban Differences and the Wellbeing of Gay Men and Lesbians

Abstract

Does place of residence matter for gay men and lesbians? Both conventional wisdom and scholarly literature suggests that it does, and that those living in rural areas are disadvantaged relative to their urban peers. This study explores this issue by comparing gay people's wellbeing in rural and urban areas. Results from a large probability sample show that rural gay people fare no worse than their urban peers. If anything, results suggest living in the largest cities may be detrimental to gay people's wellbeing, although more so for lesbians than for gay men. Results are discussed in light of 4 competing perspectives on rural–urban differences.