Is being labeled "Liberal" important to Austin? (neighborhoods, wedding)

[joebaldknobber]

"Liberal" seems to be important in Austin. Is this an important label?

[HappyTexan]

It never used to be but that seems to be the trend these days although you'd probably have to get each person's definition of liberal.
Liberal subdivisions, liberal neighborhoods, liberal schools..liberal (you name it)..they are looking for it.

[AustinGuy]

I think this forum provides a strange view of Austin since many topics are started by people who don't live here but are looking to move here. In the case of the "is Austin liberal enough for me?" or "where is the most liberal street in Austin?" posts, they are often from Californians looking for more info on Austin.

I think many Californians who've never been to Texas have a misinformed perception of what it's like to live here. Just like many people who've never visited California think it's all beaches and beautiful people and beautiful weather, people think Texas is a barren wasteland full of oil rigs and gun-toating, bible beating cowboys and rednecks. Both perceptions are obviously way off the mark.

I've lived and worked in cities all over the country, but the only place I've lived where it seemed like people were constantly pushing their political viewpoints at others to the point of annoyance was San Francisco which is one of the most "liberal" cities in the USA. In most other cities people can be friends and neighbors without knowing if the street they live on is "liberal" or "conservative".

[austinmark79]

I don't know that it's that important to me - depends on what you mean by liberal. My concern is that, as a gay man, I don't want to live in a place where I have to be closeted or "discreet" unless I want to be ostracized, discriminated against, have people talk about me behind my back, or be physically assaulted.

The places where I don't have to worry about any of that will tend to be liberal.

[roverchris]

Originally Posted by austinmark79

I don't know that it's that important to me - depends on what you mean by liberal. My concern is that, as a gay man, I don't want to live in a place where I have to be closeted or "discreet" unless I want to be ostracized, discriminated against, have people talk about me behind my back, or be physically assaulted.

The places where I don't have to worry about any of that will tend to be liberal.

On the other hand, some of us get sick and tired of others pushing their lifestyles on others. I don't go around screaming that I'm heterosexual or that I off-road and like to shoot guns. Unless you ask, you would never know. I could care less what you do in the privacy of your home, but that doesn't mean the general public needs to be reminded of it every ten minutes. I've worked with a few gay men and I never knew they were gay until the Christmas party. Guess what? Still didn't care. Doesn't affect me.

Many times, so called liberals are the most close minded set of individuals on the planet. It's their way or else your a fascist bigot.

[austinmark79]

If you wear a wedding ring or go anywhere with your children, then yes, I do know you're heterosexual without having to ask. IRL, if you have more than 2 or 3 conversations with me, at some point I'm probably going to mention my boyfriend. If that's "pushing my lifestyle" onto others, then so be it.

[HappyTexan]

Originally Posted by austinmark79

If you wear a wedding ring or go anywhere with your children, then yes, I do know you're heterosexual without having to ask. IRL, if you have more than 2 or 3 conversations with me, at some point I'm probably going to mention my boyfriend. If that's "pushing my lifestyle" onto others, then so be it.

Why is it important to know what their sexual preference is ?
It really shouldn't matter.

[Jennibc]

Originally Posted by austinmark79

If you wear a wedding ring or go anywhere with your children, then yes, I do know you're heterosexual without having to ask. IRL, if you have more than 2 or 3 conversations with me, at some point I'm probably going to mention my boyfriend. If that's "pushing my lifestyle" onto others, then so be it.

I have a friend that wears a wedding ring and has children, she takes them places, sometimes by herself, sometimes with her lesbian life partner.

[TexasHorseLady]

Originally Posted by Jennibc

I have a friend that wears a wedding ring and has children, she takes them places, sometimes by herself, sometimes with her lesbian life partner.

Absolutely! I likewise know people who are married and have children who are part of a same-sex couple. That's not an accurate way to determine someone's sexual preferences, if it should matter to you in the first place (can't imagine why it would unless you're planning to make a pass or something).

[DeadInSuburbia]

Originally Posted by joebaldknobber

"Liberal" seems to be important in Austin. Is this an important label?

Related question: Is it important to those considering a move to Austin?