Diversity in Se Mo? (Poplar Bluff, Piedmont: live, internship, moving)

[annathenomad]

So, pondering moving into the southeastern part of Missouri, maybe around Poplar Bluff/Piedmont, for my partner's job. How well would a open, friendly lesbian couple fare in these towns? Would everybody live and live for the most part? Or am I foolish for being that hopeful?

[imbored198824]

Originally Posted by annathenomad

So, pondering moving into the southeastern part of Missouri, maybe around Poplar Bluff/Piedmont, for my partner's job. How well would a open, friendly lesbian couple fare in these towns? Would everybody live and live for the most part? Or am I foolish for being that hopeful?

Have you been to the rural south before? Popular bluff isn't too different from most town you would have in the rural south. Society has came a long way though...I don't think it would be a problem. I'm gay and no one cares about it where I live on southern MO

[songinthewind7]

I wouldn't walk down the street kissing and holding hands in PB if I were gay, but I know of several gay couples in the area, and they stay closeted.
I would choose a city.....they are more accepting.

I also have a lesbian friend that is from PB area but now lives in Cape. More accepting in the area.

I love PB and lived there for years but like any small, rural town, if you are different than what they are, you will be outcast.

[Dixie in MO]

Originally Posted by annathenomad

So, pondering moving into the southeastern part of Missouri, maybe around Poplar Bluff/Piedmont, for my partner's job. How well would a open, friendly lesbian couple fare in these towns? Would everybody live and live for the most part? Or am I foolish for being that hopeful?

Those two towns are in one of the most culturally Southern areas of Missouri. Gay marriage is not very popular in Southeast MO or anywhere in Southern half of MO.

[fraylock]

My wife did an internship in Poplar Bluff for a few months. She's not gay, but she is atheist, and many people at work seemed to make it their life goal to convert her to Christianity (this was at a local medial clinic). I feel like in most places I have worked, no one would presume to ask a stranger their religious beliefs, much less try to force change on them.

Maybe you can be the force that produces change within the community there, but I wouldn't expect a whole lot of understanding or acceptance from the lay public. But, you know, if you like the area and and want to make a life there, go for it. Hopefully I'm wrong.