Nic Crosara, a Black non-binary dad, moved from Bath to the small market town of Frome in Somerset at the start of 2025. Despite fears of discrimination, the move has brought unexpected joy, community, and a better quality of life for his family. Crosara, Deputy Editor at DIVA Magazine, shared his story as part of Metro's Queer Hope & Joy series, which highlights the resilience and vibrancy of the LGBTQ+ community.
A Leap of Faith from City to Country
Most queer people and people of color leave small towns to find community in cities, but Crosara and his partner did the opposite. They traded Bath for Frome, a town of about 27,000 people, to escape soaring costs and find more space. The decision was vital for his family, which includes his partner and their young child.
Initially, Crosara was nervous. As a trans couple in the UK, leaving a familiar city felt risky. But the pressures of city life had become unbearable. Rent, food, and bills were skyrocketing, and the family lived in a small one-bedroom flat with black mould. The pavements were cluttered with bins, making it hard to navigate with a pushchair, and noisy house parties woke their newborn.
Overcoming Past Trauma in Rural Towns
Crosara's past experiences in rural areas were painful. Growing up in Cornwall, he felt othered because of his skin color. Peers often told him he was the first Black person they had spoken to, and racist jokes from a nearby pub reached their home. These memories made him hesitant about moving back to a small town.
After a brief, unhappy stay in Cambridgeshire during the pandemic, Crosara returned to Bath, vowing never to move to the countryside again. But becoming a dad changed his priorities. He wanted a garden, quiet, and space for his child to experience nature and community.
Finding Community and Affirmation in Frome
In Frome, Crosara was pleasantly surprised. The first thing he noticed was the birdsong in the morning. Neighbors greeted them with flowers and cards, and one even shared spare vegetables from their garden. He also found affirming services, like a hair salon that could cut his afro hair just the way he liked it, giving him a moment of gender euphoria.
Despite initial fears, Crosara discovered other LGBTQ+ parents and queer and trans people in the area. As two working parents, they have limited time for socializing, but they still feel connected to people of all backgrounds. The move has allowed them to afford a house with a garden, where they grow their own food.
A Fuller Life Beyond the City
Living rurally has benefited the family exponentially. Crosara says his life is fuller now than ever before. He is glad his false beliefs about rural life were proven wrong and is finally proud of the place he calls home. He hopes his story inspires others to see that Black, Brown, trans, and queer people can thrive outside of cities.
This story is part of Metro's Queer Hope & Joy series, running alongside LGBT Foundation's Hope Starts Here campaign, which aims to spread hope and joy across the LGBTQ+ community during challenging times.
