gay friendly rock falls sterling dixon?

[segue]

Originally Posted by decidingwheretolive

I have lived in Sterling/Rock Falls my entire life (almost 35). I know several gay women, not many gay men. There are a few gay men, who everyone knows they are gay, but they don't ever say anything about it. I personally wouldn't live here if I were gay. I have never heard of any hate crimes or anything, but there are certainly plenty of ignorant people here. I am planning to move out of the area. I don't know about churches, I haven't found a church here I'm comfortable with, they all seem too conservative.

Thanks for your reply. You (along with others) are making me step back and consider this move more seriously.

[Rebel74]

I live in Rock Falls and according to this you are looking for employment in the nursing industry. The only hospital worth a damn is KSB in Dixon. We have one here in Sterling but CGH is not the greatest of hospitals, they have been cutting back on personnel. Look into Kathern Shaw Bethea (KSB) they might be hiring. If you really want a job you might look at the Quad Cities which is on the border of Illinois and Iowa. As far as a the gay thing as long as you are not a "flaming homosexual" and try to push it on everyone you will do just fine here. Yes this area is full of Rednecks and I am one of them but as long as you try to get along with us we will do the same.

[Mathguy]

I grew up in the area.

Frankly, even 20 years ago there were people in town everyone *knew* were gay...I never once heard of a gay-bashing. I think since then people have grown less conservative with regards to stuff like this. I think the 3 guys in the park was your imagination.

One problem you might face is that it's a small town area and people tend to already have social groups, extended family etc. and it can be hard to develop friendships, it takes time.

Best of luck with your decision.

[segue]

Originally Posted by Mathguy

I grew up in the area.

Frankly, even 20 years ago there were people in town everyone *knew* were gay...I never once heard of a gay-bashing. I think since then people have grown less conservative with regards to stuff like this. I think the 3 guys in the park was your imagination.

One problem you might face is that it's a small town area and people tend to already have social groups, extended family etc. and it can be hard to develop friendships, it takes time.

Best of luck with your decision.

Thanks for your response. It's conveinent to think the 3 guys in the park was my "imagination", however, "experience" has taught me differently.

[Mathguy]

Originally Posted by segue

Thanks for your response. It's conveinent to think the 3 guys in the park was my "imagination", however, "experience" has taught me differently.

Most every guy I know has been hassled by a group of guys at some time in their life and it doesn't sound like they even did anything but you felt "uncomfortable".

Perhaps I'm just a little defensive about people looking at small towns and thinking they are full of brutal stupid people in the middle of fly-over country.

You are probably more at risk of getting gay bashed in a metro area...like the two brothers that got beat up in NY last week or so.