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I'll try to keep this short and to the point. It looks as though I'll be moving to Raleigh this fall. From everything I've seen online it looks like a great place i.e. lots of shopping and food options, attractive suburbs, and lots to do. I'm into antiques, dining out, outdoors and culture and from what I've seen it looks as though the Raleigh area has plenty of all of that. I'm driving down this weekend and will be taking the grand tour but I'm looking for specifically from a locals perspective is: is it at least progressive enough that a gay man will feel comfortable? What suburbs should I avoid (or are there any that should be avoided)? I like quiet with the ability to zip into the city whenever I want. The farthest south I've ever lived is Maryland and it's hardly a "southern" culture there (whatever that means). I'm just a little nervous as it's all new territory! Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!!
Even though this state is SADLY behind the times in terms of HUMAN RIGHTS, it's definitely not like many areas in the "deep south" where it's just downright intolerant or frowned upon. This particular area is extremely diverse culturally and has a large amount of people with higher education. After living here 3 months (NY transplant) I can tell you that it is somewhat progressive, but don't expect too much, it's still the south after all.
Areas like Chapel Hill, downtown Durham or Raleigh would probably appeal to you given the college town environment and culture.
You'll be fine. I know quite a few gay men in the Triangle. The current mayor of Chapel Hill is a gay man and the mayor of Carrboro is lesbian. Francois will probably chime in here soon with his first person perspective, but if he doesn't check his past posts on the subject.
The farthest south I've ever lived is Maryland and it's hardly a "southern" culture there (whatever that means). I'm just a little nervous as it's all new territory! Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!!
You don't need to worry about too much "Southern" culture in Raleigh.... better to brush up on your NY culture, instead. Now if you venture outside of the Triangle, that's a whole different matter.
Even though this state is SADLY behind the times in terms of HUMAN RIGHTS, it's definitely not like many areas in the "deep south" where it's just downright intolerant or frowned upon. This particular area is extremely diverse culturally and has a large amount of people with higher education. After living here 3 months (NY transplant) I can tell you that it is somewhat progressive, but don't expect too much, it's still the south after all.
Areas like Chapel Hill, downtown Durham or Raleigh would probably appeal to you given the college town environment and culture.
GOOD LUCK!
"...it's still the south after all."
Wtf does that mean?
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