Canyon/Amarillo mindsets/values (Houston, West: appointed, high school, college)

[can12000]

A little background: I am 17 and will be graduating from high school this May. I come from a smaller town near Houston, around 25k people. It's a somewhat diverse area. We don't really fulfill the southern conservative stereotype... I mean, we've got showings for both conservatives and liberals, Republicans and Democrats, etc.

I would like to know how liberal-minded the people in Canyon/Amarillo, TX are? I have applied and been accepted to West Texas A&M in Canyon, which seems like a great school. I am definitely not racist, sexist, or homophobic.

May as well go ahead and point out that I am gay. I'm not big on big pride marches and I'm not effeminate. I pretty much just blend in.

Question 2: How are same-sex relationships seen in this area? Any discrimination toward homosexuals? Would there be anything to fear or anything in that area that should discourage me from heading there for school? It's not that I want to let loose and just come out. I just don't want it to be completely awkward or maddening for me. I'd like some freedoms to be myself and maybe meet a few others like me.


Thanks in advance for any help. I'll be checking this thread often for replies, so if you have any follow-up questions or anything... feel free.

[Smileonlife13]

no one ever answered you? I under stand one of the most public gay beating happen in Amarillo Texas, not to long ago. We are moving there and it is almost rated the most Red neck city in America. Not happy about that but we are relocating with a company. But I really only know what i have read looking at relocation info. I am from the key west area so what ever. Good Luck and be careful.. Good luck in school too. Have fun and work hard.

[TedH71]

You are used to the Florida way of living. They have their own rednecks called Florida Crackers...no difference except they use different type of cow dogs and ways of rounding up cattle, etc.

[_redbird_]

Not sure if the OP is still around or already in school at WTAM.

I lived in Canyon for a while and loved it. Canyon is very small and you will most likely go to Amarillo for any club action. You are correct, WTAM is great, but then I love being around most college campuses. I loved Canyon and had a great time there even though I didn't know a soul when I moved there. Still didn't when I left, except those I worked with were good people.

There are a few gay bars in Amarillo. I met some really good people in Amarillo. There was even a bar close to the gay bars that was mixed. It was a bar that catered to a mostly rock and roll crowd, had a few bikers here and there, but I never had any problems there.

Overall, I think most people are bothered by the stereotypes of ~all~ mindsets. Whether you be conservative christian or liberal or gay. If you try and push your ideas and lifestyle on other people, it gets annoying. But if you simply live your life in a dignified and respectful manner, you will find lots of friendly people.

[cobolt]

I lived in Amarillo for 13 years, attended WTAMU. So long as you don't flaunt yourself in front of others and push your agenda down people's throats, you will be fine. I had gay friends who sang in my church choir, but they didn't broadcast their sexuality. They were my friends and they lived quite a nice social life. There are some gay bars downtown and you will soon create your own social contacts. This isn't the deep south but if you expect naked parades and people walking around in pink underpants like they do here in Seattle, you may be disappointed.