If/When a state in the South legalizes gay marriage, which ones would/will be first? - Empty Closets - A safe online community for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered people coming out

Étoile · 7th Dec 2009, 04:19 PM

The South is known as the Bible Belt, and it isn't called that for nothing. In the rather populated Georgian city I live in, churches are everywhere. Heck, you can see some on side-by-side-by-side in some neighborhoods. If the south miraculously decides to legalize same-sex marriage, in order of succession, which ones would be first and which ones will be last.

I don't know what state would be first, but I can imagine Georgia being second to last (we were the last state to return to the Union after the Civil War) and Alabama being last.

Shevanel · 7th Dec 2009, 04:25 PM

Only Steers and Queers come from Texas! xD No but really, I think Florida probably will for some reason, and even Texas? I don't really have much other choice xD

Phoenix · 7th Dec 2009, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SurferDude420

Only Steers and Queers come from Texas! xD No but really, I think Florida probably will for some reason, and even Texas? I don't really have much other choice xD

I would think Florida as well, I thought I read that it was one of the states with the highest amount of GLBT people.

Shevanel · 7th Dec 2009, 04:28 PM

Only because of the cities I would assume ^

----------

Oh, and another thought I have is that Same-Sex Marriage will have to pass on a federal level to get Southern States to legalize it, Kinda in a way like the way Slavery was abolished.

Étoile · 7th Dec 2009, 04:33 PM

I was thinking Florida would be first because of Miami, South Beach, and other LGBT-populous cities but that's only half of the state. Once you move up to northern Florida, it gets more southern and conservative.

Phoenix · 7th Dec 2009, 04:36 PM

Idk, Florida has one of the weirdest divisions I've ever seen. You have Miami, Jacksonville, Miami Beach, etc where everyone's 18-25. Then in central and northern Florida it's like God's waiting room where everyone is 60+. So sentiments on the issue would, to me at least, seem to be split down the middle.

Just Adam · 7th Dec 2009, 04:39 PM

i think florida first...

last alabama

Gin Uh Fur · 7th Dec 2009, 04:41 PM

florida. i dont know about the last...

Nodnarb · 7th Dec 2009, 04:43 PM

Probably Florida. Missourians generally think of themselves as a Midwestern state, but they are much closer culturally to the South than to the Upper Midwest. Still, they aren't quite as conservative as most of the Southern states, and they have a couple major cities, so they would probably be one of the first to see the light. I definitely wouldn't put Georgia as next-to-last. Atlanta is supposed to have a pretty decent sized LGBT population, something most other Southern states don't have. But you live there, so you know more than I do

As for last, I'd say probably West Virginia/Alabama/Mississippi/Arkansas. Sadly, there are far too many choices to choose from.

Étoile · 7th Dec 2009, 04:47 PM

Yeah, I hear a lot of old people like to move to Florida, so that could be a problem.

With Georgia, it'll take a while for the majority to be pro-equality as whole state; individual citizen speaking, it all depends. A lot of people at my school are either pro-equality or indifferent over the matter and can't see what's all the hubbub about. When I did a poll, one of the questions my group chose was about same-sex marriage. The pro-equal outnumbered the anti-equal. Granted, even those pro-equal or indifferent can at times think we're icky and gross, it's really only the older and religious that oppose us.

NickT · 7th Dec 2009, 04:49 PM

I didn't put Florida because, from what I can remember, it still won't allow gay adoption. =/

I put KY there because...well...I'm being optimistic. >>;

I also put Texas because of the whole "Gays want divorce but gotta be recognized as married first..." issue

Missouri and Virginia both seem alright to me too. >>;;; Yeah, I know, I have several "firsts" but meh!

Phoenix · 7th Dec 2009, 04:51 PM

I kind of keep hoping for Virginia too because it's right below D.C. and really kind of the "first" southern state on the east coast so I keep hoping the North will have a little bit of influence on it.

Étoile · 7th Dec 2009, 05:05 PM

While Atlanta is fairly progressive, the smaller towns here are VERY stuck in the 50s. Interracial dating is still seen as gossipworthy.

Brandford · 7th Dec 2009, 05:09 PM

Florida because its not as bad as the other southern states

**lostinthought9** · 7th Dec 2009, 05:17 PM

The first? Louisiana, duh!

NO, I'm totally kidding. I have no idea who would be first.
I'm gonna guess Florida, or Missouri. And something tells me Texas...? But, Idk.

Good question though! It got me thinking.

GhostDog · 7th Dec 2009, 05:28 PM

As much as I'd like to believe Texas would be one of the first, considering how frickin' gay we are*... I just remember how that didn't stop the state from passing its dumbass "no same-sex marriage NO CIVIL UNIONS EITHER, NYERH" constitutional amendment with an annoyingly large majority. I figure it's gonna have to be federally mandated before progress happens. I would love for Texas to surprise me, though!

I do pretty much figure it's gotta happen like integration of the schools. =/ Even when integration was federally mandated, it wasn't until the federal government threatened to pull school funding unless segregation stopped that many Southern areas integrated their schools.

We don't take kindly to change in these parts. =(

*C'mon, Dallas has the 8th largest LGBT population in the US, Austin's way up there too, and Texas is the 4th gayest state in the US. According to this, anyway, which cites the US Census and I am too tired to look up whether it's correct. WE ARE PRETTY GAY THOUGH.

mmilam75 · 7th Dec 2009, 05:49 PM

I'd say Florida first and then North Carolina - North Carolina being slightly more open than other states in the south. Beyond that, though, it's like a ten way tie for states in the south that would refuse unless they were forced to do so.

Cotton · 7th Dec 2009, 06:00 PM

I would say Florida, and not just because I'm from there.
I've heard that Florida is only geographically south, but could probably be compared to more of a northern one in other aspects.

starfish · 7th Dec 2009, 06:19 PM

I disagree with my esteemed colleague from Dallas.

My money is on Texas. Why do I say that. Well Texas is fickle. Our population is made up of 4 main groups that influence policy.

Those that migrated here to work in high tech and other high paying jobs. These folks tend to be fiscally conservative. They vote republican because they think the democrats are going to spend all of their money. They do tend to be socially conservative, but that is not drive them to vote. As long as their taxes don't go up they are happy.

The red neck. These folks do tend to be conservative, but ultimately distrust the government and big business. They just want to be left alone to live their live and raise their families. Yeah they might not like gay marriage, but ultimately they are more worried about their guns and taxes.

The fundamentalist Christian. These group is not as big as people thing in Texas. Yes a lot of people go to church in Texas, but most people are Christian only on Sunday mornings. They are just looking for power and attention. They will exploit what ever is the concern of the moment to get it.

The good ol' boy. These are the guy that can do no wrong, and alway look out for their friends. The Texas government runs on the good ol' boy system and they support anyone that can keep them in power. For the past 15 years or so the good ol' boy and the fundamentalist Christian have been best friends. Though it is not a true friendship, it will end as soon as either side finds someone better.

As soon as it will help a Texas politician to support an LGBT issue you can bet you ass they will take credit for it and make it happen.

Nixon · 7th Dec 2009, 06:27 PM

I've always thought Virginia or North Carolina would be there becoming more progressive states.

View Poll Results: Which state(s) would/will be first?
Texas	7	14.58%
Florida	35	72.92%
Alabama	0	0%
South Carolina	2	4.17%
Arkansas	2	4.17%
Mississippi	0	0%
Georgia	2	4.17%
Virginia	11	22.92%
Louisiana	4	8.33%
North Carolina	10	20.83%
Kentucky	1	2.08%
Tennessee	0	0%
West Virginia	1	2.08%
Missouri	5	10.42%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 48. You may not vote on this poll

7th Dec 2009, 04:19 PM	#1
Étoile He ate my heart Full Member Gender: Garçon Orientation: 95% Gay, 5% Cheesecake Out Status: Out to everyone Location: The Peach State Age: 20 Posts: 1,575 Join Date: Nov 2007	If/When a state in the South legalizes gay marriage, which ones would/will be first? The South is known as the Bible Belt, and it isn't called that for nothing. In the rather populated Georgian city I live in, churches are everywhere. Heck, you can see some on side-by-side-by-side in some neighborhoods. If the south miraculously decides to legalize same-sex marriage, in order of succession, which ones would be first and which ones will be last. I don't know what state would be first, but I can imagine Georgia being second to last (we were the last state to return to the Union after the Civil War) and Alabama being last. __________________ "I love that lavender blonde; the way she moves, the way she walks, I touch myself, can't get enough."

7th Dec 2009, 04:25 PM	#2
Shevanel One Is Light. One Is Dark. Full Member Gender: The Dude Orientation: Bi-Winning Out Status: Everybody and Your Mom. Location: Bolivar, Ohio (From NY though) Age: 21 Posts: 7,672 Join Date: Dec 2008	Re: If/When a state in the South legalizes gay marriage, which ones would/will be fir Only Steers and Queers come from Texas! xD No but really, I think Florida probably will for some reason, and even Texas? I don't really have much other choice xD __________________ If there were no rewards to reap, No loving embrace to see me through this tedious path I've chosen here, I certainly would've walked away by now. Gonna wait it out... Be patient.

7th Dec 2009, 04:28 PM	#4
Shevanel One Is Light. One Is Dark. Full Member Gender: The Dude Orientation: Bi-Winning Out Status: Everybody and Your Mom. Location: Bolivar, Ohio (From NY though) Age: 21 Posts: 7,672 Join Date: Dec 2008	Re: If/When a state in the South legalizes gay marriage, which ones would/will be fir Only because of the cities I would assume ^ ---------- Oh, and another thought I have is that Same-Sex Marriage will have to pass on a federal level to get Southern States to legalize it, Kinda in a way like the way Slavery was abolished. __________________ If there were no rewards to reap, No loving embrace to see me through this tedious path I've chosen here, I certainly would've walked away by now. Gonna wait it out... Be patient.

7th Dec 2009, 04:33 PM	#5
Étoile He ate my heart Full Member Gender: Garçon Orientation: 95% Gay, 5% Cheesecake Out Status: Out to everyone Location: The Peach State Age: 20 Posts: 1,575 Join Date: Nov 2007	Re: If/When a state in the South legalizes gay marriage, which ones would/will be fir I was thinking Florida would be first because of Miami, South Beach, and other LGBT-populous cities but that's only half of the state. Once you move up to northern Florida, it gets more southern and conservative. __________________ "I love that lavender blonde; the way she moves, the way she walks, I touch myself, can't get enough."

7th Dec 2009, 04:36 PM	#6
Phoenix EC Addict Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: Somewhere between gay and bisexual Out Status: Very Location: Massachusetts, USA Posts: 755 Join Date: Sep 2009	Re: If/When a state in the South legalizes gay marriage, which ones would/will be fir Idk, Florida has one of the weirdest divisions I've ever seen. You have Miami, Jacksonville, Miami Beach, etc where everyone's 18-25. Then in central and northern Florida it's like God's waiting room where everyone is 60+. So sentiments on the issue would, to me at least, seem to be split down the middle.

7th Dec 2009, 04:39 PM	#7
Just Adam Just passing through Full Member Gender: Something Orientation: Dunno Out Status: If they ask i will tell them Location: Wherever Age: 23 Posts: 6,002 Join Date: Mar 2009	Re: If/When a state in the South legalizes gay marriage, which ones would/will be fir i think florida first... last alabama __________________ There Used To Be A Point Of Things.

7th Dec 2009, 04:41 PM	#8
Gin Uh Fur Banned Gender: Female Orientation: Heterosexual Lesbian Out Status: all the way out. Location: Virginia Age: 24 Posts: 406 Join Date: Dec 2009	Re: If/When a state in the South legalizes gay marriage, which ones would/will be fir florida. i dont know about the last...

7th Dec 2009, 04:43 PM	#9
Nodnarb Notoriously Homosexual Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: Most people Location: Ames, Iowa Age: 20 Posts: 3,875 Join Date: Oct 2007	Re: If/When a state in the South legalizes gay marriage, which ones would/will be fir Probably Florida. Missourians generally think of themselves as a Midwestern state, but they are much closer culturally to the South than to the Upper Midwest. Still, they aren't quite as conservative as most of the Southern states, and they have a couple major cities, so they would probably be one of the first to see the light. I definitely wouldn't put Georgia as next-to-last. Atlanta is supposed to have a pretty decent sized LGBT population, something most other Southern states don't have. But you live there, so you know more than I do As for last, I'd say probably West Virginia/Alabama/Mississippi/Arkansas. Sadly, there are far too many choices to choose from. __________________ Better to be hated for who you are, than be loved for who you're not.

7th Dec 2009, 04:47 PM	#10
Étoile He ate my heart Full Member Gender: Garçon Orientation: 95% Gay, 5% Cheesecake Out Status: Out to everyone Location: The Peach State Age: 20 Posts: 1,575 Join Date: Nov 2007	Re: If/When a state in the South legalizes gay marriage, which ones would/will be fir Yeah, I hear a lot of old people like to move to Florida, so that could be a problem. With Georgia, it'll take a while for the majority to be pro-equality as whole state; individual citizen speaking, it all depends. A lot of people at my school are either pro-equality or indifferent over the matter and can't see what's all the hubbub about. When I did a poll, one of the questions my group chose was about same-sex marriage. The pro-equal outnumbered the anti-equal. Granted, even those pro-equal or indifferent can at times think we're icky and gross, it's really only the older and religious that oppose us. __________________ "I love that lavender blonde; the way she moves, the way she walks, I touch myself, can't get enough."

7th Dec 2009, 04:49 PM	#11
NickT Mr. Grammar Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: Out to everyone Location: Kentucky Posts: 985 Join Date: Sep 2009	Re: If/When a state in the South legalizes gay marriage, which ones would/will be fir I didn't put Florida because, from what I can remember, it still won't allow gay adoption. =/ I put KY there because...well...I'm being optimistic. >>; I also put Texas because of the whole "Gays want divorce but gotta be recognized as married first..." issue Missouri and Virginia both seem alright to me too. >>;;; Yeah, I know, I have several "firsts" but meh! __________________ Gay Pride!

7th Dec 2009, 04:51 PM	#12
Phoenix EC Addict Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: Somewhere between gay and bisexual Out Status: Very Location: Massachusetts, USA Posts: 755 Join Date: Sep 2009	Re: If/When a state in the South legalizes gay marriage, which ones would/will be fir I kind of keep hoping for Virginia too because it's right below D.C. and really kind of the "first" southern state on the east coast so I keep hoping the North will have a little bit of influence on it.

7th Dec 2009, 05:05 PM	#13
Étoile He ate my heart Full Member Gender: Garçon Orientation: 95% Gay, 5% Cheesecake Out Status: Out to everyone Location: The Peach State Age: 20 Posts: 1,575 Join Date: Nov 2007	Re: If/When a state in the South legalizes gay marriage, which ones would/will be fir While Atlanta is fairly progressive, the smaller towns here are VERY stuck in the 50s. Interracial dating is still seen as gossipworthy. __________________ "I love that lavender blonde; the way she moves, the way she walks, I touch myself, can't get enough."

7th Dec 2009, 05:09 PM	#14
Brandford Friendly Misanthrope Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: everyone that asks,my mom (i think) and my sister Location: Woodbridge, VA Age: 19 Posts: 6,656 Join Date: Apr 2008	Re: If/When a state in the South legalizes gay marriage, which ones would/will be fir Florida because its not as bad as the other southern states __________________ "I find nothing more depressing than optimism." --Paul Fussell

7th Dec 2009, 05:17 PM	#15
lostinthought9 EC's Biggest Xena Fan EC Moderator Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: A few people Location: Louisiana Age: 21 Posts: 2,059 Join Date: Jan 2008	Re: If/When a state in the South legalizes gay marriage, which ones would/will be fir The first? Louisiana, duh! NO, I'm totally kidding. I have no idea who would be first. I'm gonna guess Florida, or Missouri. And something tells me Texas...? But, Idk. Good question though! It got me thinking. __________________

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7th Dec 2009, 05:28 PM	#16
GhostDog is Spartacus. Full Member Gender: Female Orientation: MAGICAL. Out Status: The hiiills are aliiive with the sound of muuusic! Location: DFW area, Texas Age: 24 Posts: 2,503 Join Date: Apr 2009	Re: If/When a state in the South legalizes gay marriage, which ones would/will be fir As much as I'd like to believe Texas would be one of the first, considering how frickin' gay we are... I just remember how that didn't stop the state from passing its dumbass "no same-sex marriage NO CIVIL UNIONS EITHER, NYERH" constitutional amendment with an annoyingly large majority. I figure it's gonna have to be federally mandated before progress happens. I would love for Texas to surprise me, though! I do pretty much figure it's gotta happen like integration of the schools. =/ Even when integration was* federally mandated, it wasn't until the federal government threatened to pull school funding unless segregation stopped that many Southern areas integrated their schools. We don't take kindly to change in these parts. =( C'mon, Dallas has the 8th largest LGBT population in the US, Austin's way up there too, and Texas is the 4th gayest state in the US. According to this, anyway, which cites the US Census and I am too tired to look up whether it's correct. WE ARE PRETTY GAY THOUGH. __________________ <3 Kirah, who may or may not be made of delicious candy (and the lesbians)* Last edited by GhostDog; 7th Dec 2009 at 05:31 PM..

7th Dec 2009, 05:49 PM	#17
mmilam75 EC Addict Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: Out to everyone Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 301 Join Date: Feb 2009	Re: If/When a state in the South legalizes gay marriage, which ones would/will be fir I'd say Florida first and then North Carolina - North Carolina being slightly more open than other states in the south. Beyond that, though, it's like a ten way tie for states in the south that would refuse unless they were forced to do so. __________________ Marcus "I would rather be hated for what I am than loved for what I am not"

7th Dec 2009, 06:00 PM	#18
Cotton Member Regular Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: anyone who asks Location: Florida Age: 18 Posts: 40 Join Date: Feb 2009	Re: If/When a state in the South legalizes gay marriage, which ones would/will be fir I would say Florida, and not just because I'm from there. I've heard that Florida is only geographically south, but could probably be compared to more of a northern one in other aspects.

7th Dec 2009, 06:19 PM	#19
starfish This space for lease. Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: I like guys Out Status: Out to everyone Location: Hippie Town, Alberta of the US Age: 31 Posts: 2,108 Join Date: Nov 2008	Re: If/When a state in the South legalizes gay marriage, which ones would/will be fir I disagree with my esteemed colleague from Dallas. My money is on Texas. Why do I say that. Well Texas is fickle. Our population is made up of 4 main groups that influence policy. Those that migrated here to work in high tech and other high paying jobs. These folks tend to be fiscally conservative. They vote republican because they think the democrats are going to spend all of their money. They do tend to be socially conservative, but that is not drive them to vote. As long as their taxes don't go up they are happy. The red neck. These folks do tend to be conservative, but ultimately distrust the government and big business. They just want to be left alone to live their live and raise their families. Yeah they might not like gay marriage, but ultimately they are more worried about their guns and taxes. The fundamentalist Christian. These group is not as big as people thing in Texas. Yes a lot of people go to church in Texas, but most people are Christian only on Sunday mornings. They are just looking for power and attention. They will exploit what ever is the concern of the moment to get it. The good ol' boy. These are the guy that can do no wrong, and alway look out for their friends. The Texas government runs on the good ol' boy system and they support anyone that can keep them in power. For the past 15 years or so the good ol' boy and the fundamentalist Christian have been best friends. Though it is not a true friendship, it will end as soon as either side finds someone better. As soon as it will help a Texas politician to support an LGBT issue you can bet you ass they will take credit for it and make it happen. __________________ All the problems of the world could be settled easily if men were only willing to think. The trouble is that men very often resort to all sorts of devices in order not to think, because thinking is such hard work. --Thomas J. Watson

7th Dec 2009, 06:27 PM	#20
Nixon EC Addict Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: Go to Catholic School So, NO Location: Dundee, Nebraska (It's in Omaha) Age: 19 Posts: 575 Join Date: Sep 2008	Re: If/When a state in the South legalizes gay marriage, which ones would/will be fir I've always thought Virginia or North Carolina would be there becoming more progressive states. __________________ "I drink to stay warm, then kill selected memories"- Conor Oberst' "Some people don't know me neither do I"