[Lillie767]

Don't overthink it. I doubt any other visitors to the parks and tourist spots are going to point them out and stare.

https://trip101.com/article/things-t...trus-county-fl

https://www.thecrazytourist.com/15-b...-inverness-fl/

https://www.eventbrite.com/d/fl--cry...-this-weekend/

[dimondgrl]

Originally Posted by Corrie22

The boat tour at Homosassa....and even Weeki Wachee is fun...and all the small old towns.....41 and 44 can be a gorgeous drive

you know, the area is probably a lot more diverse than you think....gay people don't wear a badge...and the vast majority are not into acting out

There's no accusations or judgements of other people's behavior. I want them to be comfortable, know them well enough to have reservations about THEIR comfort some places, and, having not been here super long, was looking for suggestions. That's all. Doesn't have to turn into something personal........

[dimondgrl]

THANK YOU for that helpful and kind info! Awesome stuff!

[dimondgrl]

There's no accusations or judgements of other people's behavior. I want them to be comfortable, know them well enough to have reservations about THEIR comfort some places, and, having not been here super long, was looking for suggestions. That's all. Doesn't have to turn into something personal........

[dimondgrl]

thanks for understanding

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by silverct9a

Have ANY of us seen them? I sure haven't...Obviously something stands out about them if the OP asked this question. Also if they do indeed stand out, the fact that they need to "conceal" themselves pretty much proves my point.

No need to conceal your truth in metropolitan areas where no one cares or even has the time to care about someone's else sexual preferences. I'm certainly not gay, but I also don't give a damn about who is...time is finite and i'm not wasting mine my caring about that. Small town folks typically have too much time on their hands to care.

You clearly have the best take on the situation and agree completely as an LGBT person myself that standing out in certain locales within the state is going to likely bring unwanted attention. The typical mainstream gay male would not stand out, but know all too well some flamboyant acquaintances that would set off some alarms and is a very important distinction to make.

[silverct9a]

Thank you. I was beginning to think I'm the only straight person on this thread who has had first hand acquaintances with LGBTQ people. I knew almost exactly what the OP was asking.

Not trying to hijack this thread, but while a small sample size, the fact that this logic escaped so many should suggest to the OP to take their guests to Tampa/Orlando (possibly Gainesville area) to avoid an uncomfortable situation and ensure a good time for all.

Originally Posted by kyle19125

You clearly have the best take on the situation and agree completely as an LGBT person myself that standing out in certain locales within the state is going to likely bring unwanted attention. The typical mainstream gay male would not stand out, but know all too well some flamboyant acquaintances that would set off some alarms and is a very important distinction to make.

[Arcenal813]

Originally Posted by silverct9a

Thank you. I was beginning to think I'm the only straight person on this thread who has had first hand acquaintances with LGBTQ people. I knew almost exactly what the OP was asking.

Not trying to hijack this thread, but the fact that this logic escaped so many should suggest to the OP to take their guests to Tampa/Orlando (possibly Gainesville area) to avoid an uncomfortable situation and ensure a good time for all.

No, I used to hang out quite often at "gay bars" in Orlando when I lived there. Always had a great time, and made some great friends.

Perhaps it has more to do with my ignorance with regards to the prejudice that is apparently rampant in some of those areas?

[silverct9a]

Good post Arcenal. Unfortunately there are many who have to hide in the shadows of the mainstream. It's that reason why I cannot in good faith recommend non metropolitan areas for LGBTQ people in Florida...simply too much ignorance running rampant and it's basically unchecked.

[Corrie22]

Originally Posted by silverct9a

Good post Arcenal. Unfortunately there are many who have to hide in the shadows of the mainstream. It's that reason why I cannot in good faith recommend non metropolitan areas for LGBTQ people in Florida...simply too much ignorance running rampant and it's basically unchecked.

We have 2 sets of gay relatives that live there....the guys moved up there about 8 years ago....Crystal River.....the girls moved up after Andrew....Citrus Hills

...they have a lot of friends....both have said it's a lot friendlier than Miami where they are from....and both absolutely love it there....neither have ever had one little bit of the trouble you're pushing

We go up and visit....have met a lot of their friends....not a one of them have ever mentioned any kind of trouble at all...and all of them are into the touristy things

...so I have no idea where this stuff is coming from with you....