Austin's acceptance of gays?

[twange]

The only people we knew when we moved here last year was my wife's gay uncle and his partner. Uncle's been here 10 years and his partner since 1982. They love it and have never had any issues.

If you're looking for a place like San Francisco's Castro(which I think is what "artsyguy" wants), you'll be disappointed. It's not that sequestered and so is probably more transparent. If you want a high-powered "gayborhood" vibe, you probably won't find that either. If you're looking for a nice, open-minded city to enjoy your college days and maybe stay longer, you may find Austin to be everything you're looking for.

Everyone has different expectations and perceptions.

[jread]

Austin is very accepting of gays and lesbians... so much so that there are no segregated "gay" neighborhoods, most are just living peacefully all over the city. You will have no issues at all here.

[artsyguy]

Take it from me. I'm the gayest person on this forum. Dallas has a gayborhood, plus other gay areas and it isn't oppressive at all. It is wonderful, gays inter-mingle with straights and there isn't tension. It is a great town for the most part.

Austin just doesn't have that level of greatness. If your goal is to date, and be adjusted as a gay person, then Austin is not the place either.

The OP is worried about being jumped or assaulted and I doubt that would happen in Austin just because you are gay. So yes, you are pretty safe in Austin. Good luck.

[artsyguy]

Gayborhoods are preferred by gays. Duh.

Originally Posted by jread

Austin is very accepting of gays and lesbians... so much so that there are no segregated "gay" neighborhoods, most are just living peacefully all over the city. You will have no issues at all here.

[Jennibc]

Originally Posted by artsyguy

Gayborhoods are preferred by gays. Duh.

Not everyone. My best friend lives in Vancouver WA with his boyfriend and opted for his neighborhood over Portland because they didn't necessarily want to be in the center of everything. He has never particularly cared to live in a gay neighborhood. My uncle, the same thing.

[DAG1212]

Originally Posted by artsyguy

Gayborhoods are preferred by gays. Duh.

This gay doesn't prefer gayborhoods.

I left Austin a few months ago because of a job transfer that led me to Houston where I currently live in the gayborhood. If I could move back to Austin, I would!

If you are wanting to start out at UT, focus on school and your future career, while at the same time living your life as a gay male, Austin is a great place to do it. There isn't really a "scene," so it will be an easy transition for you to come out of the closet without having to join the circus show that is usually present in most gayborhoods.

Weho/Castro/etc. is nice to visit but there is only so much pride one can get excited about.

Be comfortable with yourself, recognize and accept your sexuality and then move on. Life is about so much more.

Good luck to you!

[twange]

Originally Posted by DAG1212

Be comfortable with yourself, recognize and accept your sexuality and then move on. Life is about so much more.

Good luck to you!

That is some damn fine advice, whether you're gay or not

[TexasHorseLady]

I agree, very good advice for all of us.

[AustinTexan]

The great thing about Austin is that there aren't segregated pockets of people in certain areas of the town (for the most part) like you see in just about every other mid to large size city. Blacks, Asians, Mexicans, gays, the elderly and retired, etc. can be found in just about any and every neighborhood. There are small pockets of Asians and Indians in the NW part of town but nothing compared to cities like Houston or Dallas. I have gay (lesbian) neighbors who moved here from out of state who are some of the the most friendly, outgoing, and fun people we've ever met. Everyone enjoys their company and we're glad they're our neighbors. I would just say the public displays of affection will get you the stares and whispers, even in Austin. Our neighbors seem to be very conscious about it and we've never seen it so no one cares. Just be yourself and people will accept you regardless of your sexuality.