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There are parts of South Carolina that are accepting. Speaking from Columbia, there are about a dozen churches to choose from, a large pride festival (actually sponsored by the city and county), and very involved neighborhoods such as Earlewood with many open people. I have several gay friends and co-workers that fit in just fine. The upstate has traditionally been the more conservative area of the state, but downtown Greenville still has a more subdued gay community (not as familiar with specifics however). Once you leave the urban areas of the state though it may be different.
Personally I love living in a diverse neighborhood (not just orientation, but also race, income level, education, etc.). I don't want my kids to grow up seeing particular traits as outliers or labels.
Greenville has always been Bible Belt, conservative, and Republican. But perhaps some pockets of progressivism have somewhat started to emerge. Despite a county resolution condemning the homosexual lifestyle. But if you're into the nightlife or social scene, I would consider Asheville, Charlotte, or Atlanta. As Asheville is very gay friendly, and Atlanta and Charlotte are superb southern cities welcoming multiculturalism and diversity. But I suppose Greenville is a nice place for straight people to raise a family.
If you move to Spartanburg, you probably will get mugged lol!
Spartanburg has a higher crime rate, so I would select Greenville as the more favorable Upstate option. And Greenville has the nicer downtown district.
The crime rate is no different in Greenville and Spartanburg. Again as I have said on here before just watch the local news. Many crimes in Greenville go un-reported on the local news. Several violent crimes commited in Spartanburg were by Greenvillian's.
As anti-Spartanburg as I am, you're not going to get mugged there unless you walk into the less salubrious areas i.e. the reformed projects. Or the area around Howard Street. Lol.
Spartanburg actually had a gay pride parade a couple of years ago. I'm not sure if it's still an annual event or not. You would probably be pretty comfortable in the historic neighborhood of Hampton Heights. There is a little more diversity there than Converse Heights and it's within walking distance of downtown if that's your thing.
With Greenville being slightly larger and definitely more progressive, you will feel comfortable there as well. No clue about where to live though. Downtown perhaps or in the Hampton Pinckney neighborhood?
In any case, you shouldn't feel uncomfortable living here if you just want to get on with your life. As another poster suggested, Asheville is an option. It's more out and proud, if you ask me. Well you definitely see more rainbow flags if that's any indication. I once had a resident tell me that there were more conservatives there than liberals, it was just that liberals shouted the loudest. Still not sure about that one though.
Atlanta has always been the capitol of gay nightlife in the Southeast. But Asheville, Greenville, and Charlotte each have their own distinctive appeal depending upon your preference. And if you're not concerned about nightlife, then Greenville is a very nice small city with major city amenities. And the downtown district is very nice, but predominantly caters to the straight crowd.
Atlanta has always been the capitol of gay nightlife in the Southeast. But Asheville, Greenville, and Charlotte each have their own distinctive appeal depending upon your preference. And if you're not concerned about nightlife, then Greenville is a very nice small city with major city amenities. And the downtown district is very nice, but predominantly caters to the straight crowd.
So their is no alternative club or pub DT? Sounds like a unique business opportunity for someone vs opening another sports bar, casual dining place etc when there are umpteen others all competing for the same clientel.
Greenville has had a couple gay bars/clubs but it was dwindled down to mainly just the Stone Castle, which has been around forever. All the ones I've known of have closed unless anyone can think of one besides the Castle that is currently open?
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