bearfossils
TRUSTNO1
- Joined
- Dec 6, 2013
- Messages
- 163
- Reaction score
- 553
First: HOORAY FOR FLORIDA! As a proud Floridian and huge supporter of LGBT rights, I am so happy to see the positive evolution of my state. Many commentators have pointed out that Florida has turned into more of a "purple state" from a "red state", especially as the younger generation grows older, participates more in politics, and the older, backwards ideals slowly drain out into the Atlantic. :seeya:
Since you said you were looking into moving to my lovely state, I just wanted you to know that Florida is much more diverse than many people give it credit for. The cities, metropolitan, and many of the suburbs have a wealth of different cultures, ethnicities, and people of all walks of life. There are many, many large LGBT-positive areas, along with many LGBT individuals. We are a lot more open-minded and accepting than we get painted as; we have had some terrible governors (-cough- let's hope we can get rid of Scott this year -cough-) but we also have many politicians and people who are loud and proud to support the rights of everyone, including the LGBT community.
Also, I just want to throw out there: if you are thinking of moving here, I highly suggest moving to a city/suburban area on a coastline. The more you get into the interior of the state and the rural areas, the more you get into "the red zone". Where I was born and raised and still live, is in a small town in Pinellas County (I think we are an amazing place to live in), which is part of the Tampa Bay Area. We are on the west coast, so we face the Gulf; our beaches are beautiful - google "Honeymoon Island" and/or "Caladesi Island" for a look - they are state parks so they are protected and not as tourist-filled as the big public beaches to the south (I got married there on Honeymoon Island, the sands I grew up playing on, so I could be biased); we rarely are hit by hurricanes or tropical storms (no direct hit in like 100 years!), we have great weather, great people, great food, great schools, and it is cozy enough to make your own private piece of paradise while still being close to a lot of people and community. Check it out!
Sorry for the ramble; I am very passionate about my state and think in a few more years, we will only get better and better. My husband is from upstate NY, and he has always said he was amazed at how diverse and eclectic the people were down here - he didn't expect it. He also commented on how nice everyone was. We DO have lots of lizards and sub-tropical plant life, which seems to also be a surprise to a lot of people who haven't experienced that - it's something our Northern friends always comment on! Anyway, hope you find a lovely place down here that is perfect for you and family. I think you will be pleasantly surprised by us :happydance:
