Gay in Houston...? (Sugar Land, West, Meadow: 2015, apartment complex, to rent)

[tas044]

My bf and I are considering a move out of our home state of South Dakota, and into Houston. There's a couple of reasons, including better LGBT acceptance, and that we found potential jobs in Greater Greenspoint and Downtown. We would be looking to rent for under $1,800/mo for a 1 br. We both like the warmer temperatures and loved the aesthetic of the city and the friendliness of the people. Any advice on where we should live?

Which areas of Houston in our budget are the most lgbt friendly? Do not give us any crap about how LGBT people are accepted everywhere, that it's not a big deal, etc. My bf was kicked out onto the street by his conservative Christian parents at age 12, and was homeless for months before ending up in a foster home. That is a very common occurrence and a huge percentage of homeless youth are LGBT. I was beat to within an inch of my life last year at a bar in Sioux Falls, SD. So we're looking for somewhere that LGBT people are integrated into the community, a place that is liberal, diverse, and accepting of all different types of people.

Note:
All conservatives are not homophobic, but the vast majority of homophobes do identify as conservative, and the vast majority of LGBT people are liberal as a result. Therefore we need a fiercely socially liberal neighborhood. I am not a bigot for not wanting to live amongst people who have harmed me and those I care about in the past. Thank you.

[Samiamj]

I suggest the Greater Heights. It is between downtown and Greenspoint. It is liberal and very open minded. It is close to nightlife and great restaurants.

[ParaguaneroSwag]

We elected ther first openly LGBT mayor of any major city in USA. Whoever tells you Houston isn’t accepting is lying. Outside of some conservative suburbs, you’ll be fine. If you want something of the most “gay” areas, look into the Heights and Montrose.

I heavily agree with your last paragraph by the way. You’re smarter than most, you bit into reality versus narratives. If only most people were this way

[dor202]

I'm moving to Houston soon as well. With views like yours, I hope you won't be living anywhere near Sugar Land. Funny how liberals preach tolerance and then decide that "the vast majority of homophobes are conservatives". Based on what data? What is your source? Oh right you don't have one.

[ParaguaneroSwag]

Originally Posted by dor202

I'm moving to Houston soon as well. With views like yours, I hope you won't be living anywhere near Sugar Land. Funny how liberals preach tolerance and then decide that "the vast majority of homophobes are conservatives". Based on what data? What is your source? Oh right you don't have one.

Liberals like to pretend they are the godchild of anti-homophobic and anti-racism while doing so many of both. Especially racism. I sure am no conservative but I will never act like Having more liberal views excuse me of racism or homophobia

[As Above So Below...]

Originally Posted by dor202

I'm moving to Houston soon as well. With views like yours, I hope you won't be living anywhere near Sugar Land. Funny how liberals preach tolerance and then decide that "the vast majority of homophobes are conservatives". Based on what data? What is your source? Oh right you don't have one.

I have one by party. Republicans are far less likely to say homosexuality should be accepted.

https://www.pewresearch.org/politics...-and-religion/

But frankly this shouldnt surprise anyway. The groups that are most opposed to LGBTQ acceptance and rights are Evangelicals and they are overwhelmingly Republican.

https://www.pewforum.org/religious-l...y-affiliation/

https://www.pewresearch.org/politics...homosexuality/

To answer the OP, I agree that people who say "everywhere in our city is accepting" isnt really paying enough attention. There is a difference between not attacking a person vs. welcoming a person. In Houston you would be fine in most neighborhoods. If youre looking for a place thats more urban, anywhere inside 610 and west of 45/288 would be fine. East Downtown would also be great. If youre looking for a place close to the city but with houses as opposed to apartments, Willowbend/Willow Meadows is incredibly popular for LGBTQ couples. In a suburb, Sugar Land would be one of the most accepting.

[Dopo]

Originally Posted by dor202

Funny how liberals preach tolerance and then decide that "the vast majority of homophobes are conservatives". Based on what data? What is your source? Oh right you don't have one.

Same as claiming that conservatives are the most Christian

You are kidding yourself if you think conservative areas are more accepting of LGBT than liberal areas

[Watchful]

I agree that the Heights (77008) would be an awesome choice - if price becomes an issue - take a peek just east in the 77009 area - there are areas quite close to the Heights for which you might find a more reasonable rental. 77007 is a little bit closer to downtown and has a whole lot of new construction - but I'm not sure of the current price points.

All the inner loop areas have skyrocketed in price over time.

Good luck. Just overlook those who are stirring the pot on this thread!

[astrohip]

The entire "Inner City"* would be my recommendation. East side or West side. More culture, more variety of people & lifestyles, more attractions, a "more alive" vibe. There is such a diversity of people inside the Loop, and it feels welcoming to all. By diversity I don't just mean gay. I mean White, Black, Hispanic, Asian, gay, straight, inked, religious or not, married or not... I find that living closer to the center of the city, people are just less judging.

I also think the vast majority of the greater Houston area will also be welcoming. We really do tend to be open to all, non-judgmental. As mentioned above, we've had Black mayors, Lesbian mayor, old-white-men mayors, female County Judge (that's what we call the head of the county, the "County Judge", even though they aren't really a judge). Houston doesn't care what you are, we care what you do. Well, most of us.

I'll also admit, the farther you get from the center, the more conservative it gets (not a hard & fast truism, but in general). But even conservative in Houston tends to be more accepting. But not like the Inner City will be.


*"Inner City" means inside Loop 610

[LocalPlanner]

If one of you is working in Greater Greenspoint, you should definitely focus on the Heights for a fairly easy commute north. Your budget should get you in a recently built apartment complex.

Be prepared for our summers!