WHEREAS gender and sexual orientation diverse children and adolescents in rural areas and small towns experience additional challenges, such as living in typically more conservative and less diverse communities (compared to those in urban settings) and having limited access to affirming community-based supports, which can lead to greater feelings of social isolation (Cohn & Leake, 2012; O’Connell, Atlas, Saunders, & Philbrick, 2010 );1
1. American Psychological Association & National Association of School Psychologists. (2015). Resolution on gender and sexual orientation diversity in children and adolescents in schools. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/about/policy/orientation-diversity.aspx