How Gay Friendly is Sarasota? (Bradenton: elementary school, live, move to)

[intrinsiknergy]

We're thinking to move to Sarasota from out West. How gay friendly is the area? I'm specifically looking for a good public elementary school that is gay affirmative for my son since he has two mums. Any other pros or cons? Conservative or liberal?

I had lived in Southern Florida for 5 years as a kid, so I have a vague idea of the Floridian culture, etc. But hoping to get some more insight from you all, thanks!

[gypsychic]

I have lived in Sarasota a long time now. It is pretty much live-and-let-live here. Sarasota does have Harvey Milk Festivals and Pride Fest so that should tell you something. Sarasota also has a lot of excellent schools compared to most of the state. Sorry I can't recommend a specific school because I don't have kids, but I am sure someone else could make a recommendation.

[Nancy in Nokomis]

My son goes to Pine View school for the gifted and children are openly gay there with no problem - they even have their own lunch benches where they hang out - not sure about other schools -

There is still some of that "Florida culture" around here but I don't think it is that bad

[60SeaRay]

I'm not sure what "homosexual FRIENDLY" connotes or really suggests. I'm not sure if that suggests that being homosexual "friendly" connotes that neighbors are obliged to accept AND endorse someone's aberrant sexual behavior. I would like to think that most residents of SRQ/Mana don't really care about getting into your sexual proclivities and habits. And of course, no one has to embrace or even like you as a person, or as a homosexual person either. No one has to accept you or anyone else. People tend to avoid what they don't want to fool with...it's called freedom of association I guess. I wouldn't *expect* residents of this area to embrace you...they will probably just leave you be.

[FLHfan]

Originally Posted by 60SeaRay

I'm not sure what "homosexual FRIENDLY" connotes or really suggests. I'm not sure if that suggests that being homosexual "friendly" connotes that neighbors are obliged to accept AND endorse someone's aberrant sexual behavior. I would like to think that most residents of SRQ/Mana don't really care about getting into your sexual proclivities and habits. And of course, no one has to embrace or even like you as a person, or as a homosexual person either. No one has to accept you or anyone else. People tend to avoid what they don't want to fool with...it's called freedom of association I guess. I wouldn't *expect* residents of this area to embrace you...they will probably just leave you be.

techie_g
Not a member

What the heck constitutes being 'friendly' to homosexual activity??? I don't think anyone cares that much what kind of sex you engage in within your own house. I don't put my heterosexuality (I'm old-fashioned, I like WOMEN) in any neighbor's face. You shouldn't put your homosexuality in anyone's face either. It's inappropriate and quite unnecessary it seems to me. Not everyone however should be expected to endorse or embrace anyone else's sexual proclivities or what they might consider aberrant behavior. Again, not a lot of people or your neighbors care that much at all, and it's a non-issue 90% of the time unless YOU make it one, or YOU have an unrealistic and unfair 'demand' that other people and neighbors must *think* or conduct themselves in a manner that is only conducive to your own sense of values, and family. That would be quite an erroneous belief. Diversity doesn't mean that others must accept foundational values that may conflict with their own ethos, morality, religion or values.



Seems like you're repeating yourself Shekie.

[intrinsiknergy]

Originally Posted by FLHfan

techie_g
Not a member

What the heck constitutes being 'friendly' to homosexual activity??? I don't think anyone cares that much what kind of sex you engage in within your own house. I don't put my heterosexuality (I'm old-fashioned, I like WOMEN) in any neighbor's face. You shouldn't put your homosexuality in anyone's face either. It's inappropriate and quite unnecessary it seems to me. Not everyone however should be expected to endorse or embrace anyone else's sexual proclivities or what they might consider aberrant behavior. Again, not a lot of people or your neighbors care that much at all, and it's a non-issue 90% of the time unless YOU make it one, or YOU have an unrealistic and unfair 'demand' that other people and neighbors must *think* or conduct themselves in a manner that is only conducive to your own sense of values, and family. That would be quite an erroneous belief. Diversity doesn't mean that others must accept foundational values that may conflict with their own ethos, morality, religion or values.



Seems like you're repeating yourself Shekie.

I think you all have answered my question.
Good luck with that, Sarasota.

[FLHfan]

Originally Posted by intrinsiknergy

I think you all have answered my question.
Good luck with that, Sarasota.

Don't let one cranky old **** keep you from chasing your dreams. He's only a small man and isn't indicative of the area's population

[BackUpFile]

Originally Posted by intrinsiknergy

We're thinking to move to Sarasota from out West. How gay friendly is the area? I'm specifically looking for a good public elementary school that is gay affirmative for my son since he has two mums. Any other pros or cons? Conservative or liberal?

I had lived in Southern Florida for 5 years as a kid, so I have a vague idea of the Floridian culture, etc. But hoping to get some more insight from you all, thanks!

Sarasota county or The City of Sarasota? Manatee County or The City of Bradenton ? These areas might differ wildly in what they think about homosexual couples and lifestyles. Parts of both counties are quite supportive of normal traditional families and relationships. This is not San Francisco or Seattle.

[newtovenice]

Most people do not care. And I mean that. They won't treat you any better or any worse. They will leave you be.

That being said, if you are looking for an area where people respond, Oh my god, you're gay? THAT'S FANTASTIC!!! I need to be friends with you because I have so many other gay friends!! this is probably not the place for you, as the whole celebrate it every day all day long vibe really isn't here.

Because most people will treat you just like they treat everybody else.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by newtovenice

Most people do not care. And I mean that. They won't treat you any better or any worse. They will leave you be.

That being said, if you are looking for an area where people respond, Oh my god, you're gay? THAT'S FANTASTIC!!! I need to be friends with you because I have so many other gay friends!! this is probably not the place for you, as the whole celebrate it every day all day long vibe really isn't here.

Because most people will treat you just like they treat everybody else.

Exactly. That's what I was saying before about this being a "live-and-let-live" type of place. I guess it is hard to interpret what one is really asking when they say "gay-friendly."