An unprecedented survey challenges the long-held belief that rural areas are inherently hostile to young LGBTIQ individuals, revealing a more complex and varied reality. The findings, published in the book Fiertés d’ici: growing up LGBTIQ in the countryside (2026), highlight both the challenges and the connections that young LGBTIQ people experience in rural environments. The study shows that while discrimination exists, many also find a sense of belonging and support in the countryside. For many years, it was commonly believed that young LGBTIQ individuals had to move to cities to live openly, seeking anonymity and acceptance. This idea painted rural areas as places of silence, hostility, and even violence. However, the survey suggests that this view is too simplistic. It shows that rural life for LGBTIQ youth is not just about rejection but also about relationships, community, and personal ties to the land. The survey found that almost 90% of young LGBTIQ individuals imagine a future in rural areas, with 51% planning to stay permanently and 14% intending to stay for a while before leaving. Only 10% plan to leave the countryside forever, while 25% intend to leave and return at some point. The relationship with rural areas changes with age, with younger people more likely to want to leave and older individuals more likely to seek a lasting connection to the countryside. Despite the calm image of rural life, 73% of those surveyed reported feeling discriminated against, with higher rates among transgender and non-binary individuals. Many of these individuals experienced different forms of violence, including verbal abuse, psychological harm, harassment, threats, and even physical and sexual violence. The sense of danger is strongest in schools, followed by the family environment and places for leisure or sports. While discrimination in rural areas can be more intense than in cities, especially in schools, the survey also highlights the support systems that exist in the countryside, often starting with the family. Many young people choose to stay because of the desire to care for aging parents, to provide a safe environment for their children, or to remain in a place filled with personal history and friendships. Some see the countryside as a refuge from the stress and insecurity of urban life, especially as they grow older. The integration of LGBTIQ issues into rural communities, however, remains fragile due to the recent emergence of these concerns, fewer established organizations, limited funding, and unequal access to care. New funding requests are often denied, weakening local support groups. Access to medical care is also limited, with noticeable differences between those who feel comfortable in their own skin and those who do not. The survey also notes the growing attention given to rural LGBTIQ issues in the media. For example, the documentary Pédale rurale follows a farmer from Dordogne as he navigates a journey toward embracing a queer identity on his own land. This aligns with the rise of rural pride events, such as Fiertés rurales in Chenevelles, which aim to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for LGBTIQ people in the countryside.