If you’re a member of the LGBT community and you live in an area such as the deep south or somewhere that’s been in the news for the anti-LGBT stance of its politicians, you might have friends or family asking you why you haven’t moved somewhere else yet. But picking up your life and relocating certainly isn’t quick, easy, or simple! In fact, for some people, it’s just not an option. Here are some reasons why you might find yourself living in a less than welcoming area and what you can do about it.
Your Job is There
Some businesses only have one office or plant, and if you want to continue working for that company, you’re stuck in the city they’re located in. Fortunately, if you want to keep working there, then the company is probably at least somewhat LGBT-friendly. You might have great co-workers, a great boss, and make a nice salary or have outstanding benefits.
There’s also the fact that some cities stand out as a beacon of LGBT rights in a state that might otherwise be very discriminatory. Take Houston, for example. While much of Texas is fairly conservative, Houston tends to be much more liberal and welcoming.
Your Family Lives There
While the rest of the area may not be that accepting, your family may be, and you don’t want to move away from your biggest support system. Others find themselves dealing with small discriminations every day just to stay close to a loved one who is ill or elderly. No matter what your reasons are, family often comes before your personal desires, including where you live.
You Can’t Afford to Move
Many gay and lesbian real estate agents will point out that a lot of the areas we think of as LGBT-friendly but are not budget-friendly. California and New York, for example, are both very expensive. Some of the cheapest areas in which to live are also those that haven’t been as quick to embrace LGBT rights, such as states in the south. Unfortunately, even if you do get a job offer in a different city that pays much more, you’re not going to have that money upfront, and it often takes a good amount of funds to move.
You Like Where You Live
It might sound odd to say that you like living in a city or state where people seek the right to actively treat you like a second-class citizen, but some people take great pride in where they live and love it. There’s nothing wrong with that!
