This thesis explores the ways in which four young white queer Central Appalachian organizers navigate tradition and change in their efforts to envision a just and sustainable post-coal Appalachian future. Based on oral history interviews conducted during the summer of 2016 with Ada Smith, Kenny Bilbrey, Sam Gleaves, and Ivy Brashier, this thesis examines their engagement with and challenges to narrow constructions of Appalachian and mainstream queer constructions of the traditional. It additionally considers their collective vision for an Appalachian Transition in which local communities reclaim decision making power about the fate of their future, and the potential to use this moment of deep economic, environmental, and political uncertainty to boldly demand a future in which LGBTQ+ people, people of color and all mountain people are able to survive and thrive in the places that we love.