A solid ethnographic piece about a neglected side of queer, American life. I would have wanted a better developed theory (vs. smatterings of theory here and there), but it was a methodologically rigorous and deeply informative.

This was a hard book to get through, mainly because of the depressing topic. I had to take several breaks. But I am glad to have read it. The author provides a well researched and thorough account of the experiences of Bible Belt gays, and I think it's an important read for those that are looking to understand the struggles those living in this area face. The author tries to present a logical and well reasoned discussion about conservative Christians, and approaches the topic both from a personal and an academic perspective.

This look at homosexuality in relation to Bible Belt culture was interesting, and some of the personal quotes and anecdotes were eye-opening and horrifying, but I think it could have been better-written.

I grew up Pentecostal, so it was hard to read such an elegant breakdown of my childhood religious culture. The black and white mindset she describes is so on the nose. This book is a valuable tool for any progressive who really wants to understand WHY conservative Christians think the way they do. If you really want to change their hearts, you have to understand the way they live and think. Talking to them like a fellow progressive doesn’t work. I gave her four stars (4.5 if I could) because of an omission I thought was critical considering the subject matter: What about pray away the gay camps? Those places that the religious right sign away their children to where they are left with “counselors” who antagonize them night and day. She mentions ex-gay ministries but I was very surprised there wasn’t even a throwaway line about these places. They’re in the news every so often.

A good balance of theory of interviews, providing a very thorough look at the lives of queer men and women living in the "Bible Belt". Barton isn't totally impersonal, and provides enough context that the book doesn't feel voyeuristic despite the intensely personal content some of the interviewees share.

This book was a very informative read.I suggest my friends that grew up in the Bible Belt read these stories and studies about how the church/conservative Christians have negatively impacted the lives of many people of the LGBTQ+ community. This is written as a research project so there is a lot of information but as a reader it gives more credibility to the book.