Wondering if the Tyler and Lindale area are gay friendly, or have much of a gay community? (Houston: theatre, university)

[cloverlamott]

Hi there,

I am living in Canada right now but I am a native Texan. All of my family is still in Texas; some in the Lindale/Tyler area, some in suburbs of Dallas. I am seriously contemplating a move back for a lot of reasons, but mainly to be closer to my family.

I did live in Garden Valley right outside of Lindale for 2 years, but that was 10 years ago, so I have no idea what the culture is like at present.

Basically, I'm wondering if anyone has any insight on the gay community in that area and if Tyler is considered a 'gay friendly' area. I am a lesbian, and although I am single right now, I will want to be open with my relationship when I have one. And I would like to think that it wouldn't be too hard to find another lesbian in Texas!

I am a writer, actor, and designer, and would love to get involved in Tyler's theatre community, and its culture in general. Are there places for gays/lesbians to meet each other, play sports, contribute to the community as a group, etc.?

I would ask my family, but I already know their opinions and I am interested in hearing what other people think about this question. If you have any insider knowledge or suggestions you are willing to share, I would be forever grateful!

Thanks for your time!

-Clover

[GayleTX]

The towns you are asking about are probably as conservative and 'straight-laced' (pardon the pun) as any towns you could find in Texas! Lovely places, as you already know, but social and business and political circles are well dominated by the churches there, mainly the Baptist. A larger community closer to Dallas or Austin might be more comfortable for you.

[destin04]

Overall ....the Lindale/Tyler area is still conservative. However I live in this communiity and even though I'm straight I think the area is a lot more accepting of things than it used to be. TheBaptist Church in East Texas has earned a bad reputation and most of it is well deserved. I think you would be fine in this area. I know of several gay relationships and I've never heard them talk about social problems. East Texas is becoming more and more accepting and before you know it...they will be in the minority. Please come visit and take another look.

[cloverlamott]

Originally Posted by destin04

Overall ....the Lindale/Tyler area is still conservative. However I live in this communiity and even though I'm straight I think the area is a lot more accepting of things than it used to be. TheBaptist Church in East Texas has earned a bad reputation and most of it is well deserved. I think you would be fine in this area. I know of several gay relationships and I've never heard them talk about social problems. East Texas is becoming more and more accepting and before you know it...they will be in the minority. Please come visit and take another look.

Thanks for your insight. It's an encouraging thing to hear. Coming from Canada where in most provinces gay marriage is legal, I know it will be a bit of a culture shock to be back in Texas. But people are people, and there are accepting and judgemental people everywhere.
I'm actually coming for a visit in June so that should be fun!

[TXSon]

Thanks for this discussion as my partner and I are also considering a move to Tyler area upon my retirement. I'd like to teach in post-grad or college and see there may be possibilities in Tyler. We like the pace of life, climate, and the cost of living.

We're an "out" couple, currently living in rural northern California, with many of my family living in Tyler, Dallas, Houston, etc. They've known about my sexuality for over 30 years and have yet to give me any sense of rejection. These are very religious people--Baptist, Methodist, Seventh-day Adventist--but their belief system is to love and support, especially family members.

My partner is considerably younger than I and foreign born which does draw attention to us, but we're a pretty sophisticated pair and can easily move the attention towards common interests. Once people connect on an intellectual, emotional, or social level they aren't as concerned about your sexuality as they are with what you have in common.

I have attended "gay" AA meetings in Tyler and gone to a nightclub that is mixed, but has a "gay" night. I see couples in the grocery store, Starbucks, mall who don't appear to be too closeted. With the university, colleges, and junior college it's likely there are campus-based gay groups as well.

I'd be interested in hearing more from LGBT residents of Tyler and east Texas about their experience living there on a daily basis.

Thanks, again, for this discussion.

[Metro Matt]

Originally Posted by TXSon

Thanks for this discussion as my partner and I are also considering a move to Tyler area upon my retirement. I'd like to teach in post-grad or college and see there may be possibilities in Tyler. We like the pace of life, climate, and the cost of living.

We're an "out" couple, currently living in rural northern California, with many of my family living in Tyler, Dallas, Houston, etc. They've known about my sexuality for over 30 years and have yet to give me any sense of rejection. These are very religious people--Baptist, Methodist, Seventh-day Adventist--but their belief system is to love and support, especially family members.

My partner is considerably younger than I and foreign born which does draw attention to us, but we're a pretty sophisticated pair and can easily move the attention towards common interests. Once people connect on an intellectual, emotional, or social level they aren't as concerned about your sexuality as they are with what you have in common.

I have attended "gay" AA meetings in Tyler and gone to a nightclub that is mixed, but has a "gay" night. I see couples in the grocery store, Starbucks, mall who don't appear to be too closeted. With the university, colleges, and junior college it's likely there are campus-based gay groups as well.

I'd be interested in hearing more from LGBT residents of Tyler and east Texas about their experience living there on a daily basis.

Thanks, again, for this discussion.

Tyler is growing very fast & is well over 108,000 people now. Its still a Conservative place with traditional family values & their Southern Baptist religious beliefs, but most people pay no mind to openly gay couples around here anymore.

I've been fortunate, or unfortunate enough to watch Tyler blossom from a small East Texas town into a real city with many of the amenities you'll find in much larger cities like Dallas or Shreveport.

[Technologist]

I retired out to the Tyler area and also ended a 7 year relationship. There are alot of churches but, I have found the people very accepting and friendly. I am having trouble meeting other Lesbians. I know they are out there but I have yet to find a meeting place to find them

[Poltracker]

I was in Tyler last weekend for the Gem and Mineral Show and there were several gay gentleman (younger, college age) and they did not seem to be inhibited or have any problems and there was a gun show going on just across in the convention center (lot of conservative types there) and a lot of cross-over traffic. Most folks just mind their own business and don't care what you do as long as you are a productive, contributing person, and don't flaunt your sexuality or push it in their face. This goes for gays and straights.

[jimboburnsy]

I lived in Tyler for a few years in my early twenties. I'm straight, so I don't really have specific insight for any of the questions here, but I can confirm that you will not be ridden out of town on a rail for being openly gay.

That said, you do need to be realistic about the place you are moving to. This is not New York and this is not L.A. This is deep East Texas. You will encounter some people who do not approve of your lifestyle and think that it is their business to "set you straight", so to speak. That does not mean that you will be in any danger, but I would be surprised if you do not experience a degree of annoyance.

Also, Tyler is not a great place for meeting people. It can be done, certainly, but Tyler is better for raising families than for dating.

There is absolutely no reason that you should be afraid of moving to Tyler nor is there any reason that you will not be perfectly happy there, but in spite of passing the 100K population mark, Tyler still has a very efficient and eager grapevine and you should be aware of the unfortunate realities of that region.

[Metro Matt]

Tyler does not have an openly gay community so to speak. Most are in the closest however locals won't judge you if you are openly gay. Dallas is only 1 1/2 hours away if a big city fix from small city life is needed. The gay & lesbian community there in the Oaklawn/Cedar Springs/Uptown area is booming.

If I had to guess I would imagine a lot of the gays & lesbians in Tyler reside in the old historic areas of town like the Azalea District near downtown or close by the UT Tyler college campus.