“Medicine for the Soul”: LGBTQ+ Southerners Spending Time in Nature During the COVID-19 Pandemic to Promote Well-Being

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced myriad disruptions and stressors across the globe. Some populations, such as LGBTQ+ people, who already experienced disparities in access to healthcare, social support, and employment saw those disparities worsen, contributing to mental distress. Past research indicates that spending time in nature can be an effective strategy for coping and promoting well-being, yet little is known about how LGBTQ+ people may turn to nature in times of crisis. Using a queer ecology framework, this study engages in qualitative analysis of both text- and visual-based (auto-photography) diary and interview data from 30 LGBTQ+ adults in the Southeastern United States. Findings highlight how LGBTQ+ adults turned to nature as a place to engage in physical movement, to stay connected to people, for coping, and for introspection. We detail considerations for community organizers and planners about how natural spaces are built and made accessible during times of crisis.