Need help from central Florida GLBT...

[donald...really]

A friend of mine is considering a job offer in Orlando. He is concerned about being gay and living in Florida, a state known for it's discrimination against gays and lesbians and where he has seen anti-gay billboards more than once. Any central Florida residents out there want to offer an opinion about what it is like to be gay and live in the central Florida area? He would be moving from Chicago. I will forward all comments to him.

Thanks.

 

[OrlandoMike]

While Orlando is no Chicago, but it's a very nice, growing city. VERY tolerant of gays. The state as a whole is not so accomidating, but the major cities are great. South Beach is only a few hours away, as well as Key West, and the beches of Tampa and Daytona are an hour away. The problem with Florida is a large majority of the population outside of the major cities are senior citizens. Not so much gay bashing going on, more just old school thinking. I have NEVER encounterd a problem here in Central Florida.

Tell him good luck, and if he has any questions feel free to ask!

Mike

 

[ConcKahuna]

Orlando has laws on the books against discriminating against people based on their sexual identity for jobs or housing. I recently read an article that said the Orlando/Kissimmee area is now one of the largest gay populations in the country, with 3-5% of all adults being gay. It doesn't sound like much, but 1 in 20 ain't so bad!

 

[hmp2z]

We're not gay, but see quite a number of gay couples when we're out & about Orlando. I don't think your friend would feel isolated - there seems to be a strong gay community.

Cheers!
Heather W

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Based on a gay couple I know, who relocated here from Chicago, be prepared for a bit of culture shock. Yes, it is growing in tolerance around here, but the key is growing.

There are still very fundamentalist sorts out there who go out of their way to make it clear they find being gay or lesbian intolerable.

Without going into too much detail, I am an educator of adults (who will go on to provide personal care services) and I am always disheartened at the number who state in the open classroom that they will refuse to serve gays or lesbians.

So, having said that, your friend will accomodate as we all have. It's not the worst place, but it's no Greenwich Village either.

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

Having friends that are gay and live outside Orlando they haven't had any problems.......

I have to say your dogs are ADORABLE!!!!!!!!!!