GLBT-friendly communities?

I'm planning on moving to upstate NY next year, and I was wondering if there are any particular communties or towns there that are are gay/lesbian friendly. I know that most any town or city will have hostile people, but I was wondering if there was any that tend to have more of a diversity. Where I live now (Roanoke) is pretty diverse for a southern city. Lots of gay people here, and I'd kind of like that anywhere else I'd go. Any info would be helpful, thanks!

 

All northeastern states are pretty gay friendly pretty much in every location as long as you are living in a place that is mostly populated by middle class citizens or higher. (something to do with less education=more homophobia)

 

Why do you think most people would be hostile? I don't find that at all... NY is relatively accepting overall, and the cities are better. Where are you from to make you think people would be hostile? I feel sobadly for gay people living in places like that...

Christopher

 

I agree with Lanze; the northeastern states tend to be one of the more accepting regions. The West Coast is also generally good. I've heard mixed reports about the Midwest; some cities and states are much better than others.

Education is also a good sign. People who have been exposed to more of the world are less likely to be homphobic. Similarly, large cities are usually more tolerant than small towns.

Smaller towns can be friendly, and the friendlier small towns are often college towns or areas where there are lots of artists. Small towns closer to large cities can also be good.

Religion is another factor. If a town has lots of very conservative, evangelical churches, don't expect as much tolerance.

Check a guidebook like the Gayellow Pages or an LGBT newspaper or magazine that lists businesses and groups.

 

Well, I live below the Mason-Dixon line so there is still a lot of hostility when I walk around holding my girlfriends hand. I live in a medium sized city that actually has a fair amount in the gay community, but there are still too many who are opposed and aren't afraid to show it.

 

You might check out GayBestPlaces.com and see there's anything on NY yet.

 

unfortuanyly you may find that theres a difference there, the community may be very accepting, but that doesn't mean some people won't take the oppertunity to throw abuse if they see two same sex couples holding hands in the streets.

I live in whats known as the gay city of England, if I walked into the shopping centre with my boyfriend holding hands, we'd probably get some hassle none the less.

its not about the place, as its about how far society still has to grow up
S