Mid to late twenties and gay (Knoxville, Johnson City: rental, high school, college)

[newyorkdoc]

Im moving down in about a year from NYC. I am from Greeneville, born and raised, but left after high school to attend college here. Once I arrived here I came out. Living in New York as a young gay man is easy, there are plenty of single guys and venues in which to socialize. I am a little afraid that when I return to TN I'll have trouble finding friends, and eventually finding a boyfriend. Can anyone offer any advice or personal experiences? How is the environment and "scene" for young gay men (mid to late 20's) in east TN?

Im posting this in both the JC/Kingsport/Bristol section and Knoxville. I realize Knoxville may be a better choice, but Im not living there.

[LauraC]

Originally Posted by newyorkdoc

Im moving down in about a year from NYC. I am from Greeneville, born and raised, but left after high school to attend college here. Once I arrived here I came out. Living in New York as a young gay man is easy, there are plenty of single guys and venues in which to socialize. I am a little afraid that when I return to TN I'll have trouble finding friends, and eventually finding a boyfriend. Can anyone offer any advice or personal experiences? How is the environment and "scene" for young gay men (mid to late 20's) in east TN?

Im posting this in both the JC/Kingsport/Bristol section and Knoxville. I realize Knoxville may be a better choice, but Im not living there.

Why do you want to/have to come back? Are you just getting out of college? That's a really good time to move to the location of your dreams. You haven't accumulated a lot of stuff yet (making it easier to move). You're still not old enough to be really fussy about your living rental accommodations. And as a young person just starting out, you have the mindset for a new adventure. If you aren't tied to a job in Tennessee yet, why not consider more places?

[newyorkdoc]

I miss it and my family. I could easily remain here, which is exciting, full of people and opportunity, but I'm ready to come back home.

[creeksitter]

There are a few gay bars in Knoxville. Decades ago I had a gay roommate in his 20s and he had an active social life. I think you'll do fine if you are ready for a more quiet life.

[hiknapster]

I am not understanding. Are you planning on moving to Knoxville, Greeneville or the Tri-Cities? Or just checking it all out?

I have gay friends in Knoxville that like it. It's not NYC but it is not a rural area, either. Since you know the area it wouldn't be a shock.

[JMT]

I think it'll be whatever you make of it. If you want a really active social life with bar-hopping and such, you can do that in Knoxville. If you want a quiet life of having small dinner parties in your home, you can do that, too.

As far as the gay scene goes, I'm sure Knoxville's is nothing like NYC's or even Nashville's, but I have heard that there's quite a large gay campground somewhere up around Greeneville (I think) that's pretty popular.

[jabogitlu]

hahaha that's the "secret gay nude campground" in Baileyton. It is HARDCORE 1980's gay scene. You don't want to go there. Nobody in Greeneville acknowledges its existence (outside of secretly gay business and community leaders).

Knoxville's scene isn't bad. (I lived there for a while.) ORNL, UT, etc. bring in lots of people from all over the world. As is usual, you'd have no trouble with friends. Dating shouldn't be that much of an endeavour either. There are lots of young professionals around especially in the east end. Knoxville is a big enough city to attract normal gay people.

[newyorkdoc]

Originally Posted by hiknapster

I am not understanding. Are you planning on moving to Knoxville, Greeneville or the Tri-Cities? Or just checking it all out?

I have gay friends in Knoxville that like it. It's not NYC but it is not a rural area, either. Since you know the area it wouldn't be a shock.

I'll be living in Greeneville, but I can easily get to either Johnson City or Knoxville for bars or whatever else.

[newyorkdoc]

Originally Posted by jabogitlu

hahaha that's the "secret gay nude campground" in Baileyton. It is HARDCORE 1980's gay scene. You don't want to go there. Nobody in Greeneville acknowledges its existence (outside of secretly gay business and community leaders).

Knoxville's scene isn't bad. (I lived there for a while.) ORNL, UT, etc. bring in lots of people from all over the world. As is usual, you'd have no trouble with friends. Dating shouldn't be that much of an endeavour either. There are lots of young professionals around especially in the east end. Knoxville is a big enough city to attract normal gay people.

Thanks again!

What is ORNL?

[newyorkdoc]

I am so excited to come back down. I am so tired of living here, I wish I was coming back tomorrow.