lesbian/gay tolerance in temple (Houston, Dallas: construction, living, military)

[mtgrl]

possible move to temple, tx. wondering how safe it will be for my partner & myself living as a lesbian couple.

[RSTX]

You won't be the only lesbian couple here. Safe? Of course. Comfortable? Probably. This is a very conservative area. You might get a few stares. I doubt anyone will actually say anything to you unless you bring up the subject of homosexuality. But don't expect San Francisco, or even Austin, attitudes. There are about 50,000 people in Temple, so you can find your place.

[Canine*Castle]

Some don't like, some don't care. Just go where you want to live. People who are heterosexual are not always liked for one reason or another either. That would be the problem of the person who doesn't like it. I don't like it but that doesn't matter, that's just an opinion. One must avoid that which he or she feels uncomfortable around. I avoid those that make me uncomfortable for one reason or another, and maybe you will have to do the same.

[arrow_keys]

There used to be a lesbian bar in Temple called Lady V's.

[artsyguy]

Overall Texas is accepting of the GLBT crowd. It is certain individuals that you have to look our for that are prejudice or a danger. So just be safe and good luck.

[WillysB]

Originally Posted by mtgrl

possible move to temple, tx. wondering how safe it will be for my partner & myself living as a lesbian couple.

Where region are you coming from? Do you intend to flaunt a lesbian lifestyle? In what sort of work and housing do you plan to engage?

Temple is a fairly old countryside community that grew first because of the railroad, then because of the Army and now from location, location, location. I used to drive thru Temple when you had to go downtown and around the courthouse to get back on the highway. Now, people passing through wouldn't see much of anything on the way.

Not far from Temple is Fort Hood, the largest active Army mechanized military post in the U.S. And although Temple is off to the edge of where some military families may live, many do and there is a major military influence taking place. Therein, people from all over the country are living here. With that comes a wider range of values within the community.

Due to location, Temple is becoming a crossroads of Texas travel. There's an interstate between Dallas/FortWorth and Austin/SanAntonio. In Temple there is a major reconstruction of the loop that connects that interstate with traffic from Houston/Gulf Coast to Abilene and points north and west. With that comes influence from major cities within Texas and influence on community values.

Also, hidden away in Temple are a couple of industrial districts that invite labor into the area. Labor such as former military and their families, as they exit the service. And, Toyota will be opening an auto assembly plant in the near future.

As far as your safety, that might depend upon where and how you live. Temple is fairly divided by parts of town. Primarily the old town and then various outlying new areas. The railroads come from three different directions, meeting in downtown, a part of the regional separation.

I would say, if you're coming from West Hollywood you might want to entertain some behavior modification. If you're coming from a quiet lez community in, say, Iowa, life might seem pretty normal.

[TexasReb]

IMHO, you are more likely to be physically assaulted or harassed Up North by "bad elements" for your lesbian lifestyle than you would be in Texas/South.

If you don't flaunt your sexual preference (in a way that seems to be common in certain northeastern and west coast parts of the country), then there will be little to fear. I promise.

Most Texans don't care a fiddler's damn what consenting adults do behind closed doors. BUT (rightfully, in my opinion, as I share in the attitude) they/we don't like it being rubbed in our faces.

That is to say, Texas is a socially conservative state in a socially conservative region (South/eastern Southwest). There are no apologies to be made for such, far as I am concerned.

Point to remember is something that new-comers (especially yankees) don't always grasp is that Texas is NOT San Francisco or NY or the NE. We are not in the least intimidated nor defensive by labels such as "homophobic" or whatever is latest in chic. As the old Texas saying goes? Feed that crap to the hogs.

With that said though? Texans are VERY naturally tolerant...if one understands and accepts the Texan definition of tolerance. Again, it has NOTHING in common with the above listed areas...which seem to be defined as that the latest dysfunctional trendish lifestyles be accepted as "normal".

It don't work that way in these parts...thank God. The definition of "tolerance" involves common sense and natural understanding...not new-age chic revisionism. That is to say, "down here" "tolerance" involves something like "acceptance within certain limits."

Example? I would venture to say that almost ALL Texans/Southerners KNOW a friend and/or is KIN to a gay person. And? In almost all cases, genuinely love/like/accept them as per the same. There is a sort of tactful understanding of it all. "We" dont agree with their lifestyle...but we don't bother them about it, so long as they don't violate the unspoken contract to keep it to themselves.

If THAT "rule" is followed? Then by golly, all of us get along great! And even the most conservative of Texans -- as I am -- will be the first to personally welcome you to our Great State!

[NOTAM]

any area within this largest military installation pretty much has the "dont ask, dont tell" philosophy about it all.....
this area is HEAVILY military, and as such, i sense that it wouldnt be tolerated much, esp if one is very out in the open about it.
and the part that aint military is very conservative christian

[artsyguy]

They need to use their best judgment. Fundamentalist Christians will try and convert them, pester them, or snub them at the very worst. So do not get involved with any of those folks.

Over half the people I've met in Texas are NOT socially conservative. They are socially liberal but politically conservative. There is a difference.

Originally Posted by bellestaroftexas

any area within this largest military installation pretty much has the "dont ask, dont tell" philosophy about it all.....
this area is HEAVILY military, and as such, i sense that it wouldnt be tolerated much, esp if one is very out in the open about it.
and the part that aint military is very conservative christian

[jessiesnow1]

I am a gay man In Temple TX. Me and my partner have been in Temple TX for a long time. We have been partners for seven years! We enjoy Temple and it gay community at Club Partners in Temple, TX. it is a Club for every one gay, lesbian, bisexual and anyone that would just like to have a good time! the owners are a lesbian couple! You can look up the club on myspace! As for Temple it is not Austin and I would not show PDA! all in all it is not a bad town to move 2 it has been growing a lot! So I hope that this can help you out some!