Salon recently spoke with Neema Avashia, author of Another Appalachia: Coming Up Queer and Indian in a Mountain Place, about her experiences growing up as a queer Indian woman in West Virginia. Avashia, the daughter of Indian immigrants, shared how her father moved the family to Appalachia in the 1970s for work at the Union Carbide plant in Institute, West Virginia. Despite the challenges of growing up in a predominantly white, rural area, Avashia found deep connections with both her biological family and a “found family” of supportive neighbors.

The Importance of Found Family

For Avashia, finding family—people who step in to provide support and care without biological relatives—has been crucial. Raised thousands of miles away from most of her extended family, Avashia experienced community and acceptance from her neighbors in West Virginia. “Found family is at the core of who I am,” she explained, emphasizing the importance of showing up for people based on their needs. Her neighbors reciprocated this sentiment, offering practical help and emotional support, such as planting a fig tree for her father, who missed the fruits of his Indian childhood, and teaching Avashia how to drive.

Cultural Intersection and Food

Avashia discusses how food was a central point of cultural exchange between her Indian heritage and her Appalachian upbringing. Food served as a bridge, allowing her family to build relationships across cultural lines by sharing Indian meals with their predominantly white neighbors and, in turn, being invited to partake in Appalachian dishes. “Both of those traditions have formed me,” Avashia says, describing how her culinary habits blend Appalachian and Indian influences.

Connection to West Virginia

Despite living in Boston for nearly two decades, Avashia still considers West Virginia home, though it’s a home that exists more in memory than reality. The community she grew up in has changed significantly due to economic and demographic shifts, making it difficult to recognize. “West Virginia is home, but I think it’s a West Virginia that is a construct in my head and not necessarily the reality,” she reflects.

Resonance and Universality of Her Story

Avashia’s memoir has resonated with a wide range of readers who find echoes of their experiences in her story, even if they do not share her specific background. Readers from diverse backgrounds, including a young woman from West Virginia and a colleague from Puerto Rico, have connected with her themes of identity, community, and belonging. Avashia hopes her book can foster empathy and understanding in a polarized world where personal stories can be a powerful tool for connection.

Conclusion

Neema Avashia’s reflections on her life in West Virginia offer valuable insights into the intersections of culture, identity, and community. Her story is a testament to the complexities of growing up as a queer person of color in a predominantly white, rural setting, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy, community, and the power of storytelling in bridging cultural divides.