How safe is it to be openingly gay in Massachusetts?

Answer 1

Luckily it is a lot easier to name the places where you would have a problem here than those you wouldn't. The only areas where you might (and not definately) run into any problems are Southie (South Boston), Charlestown, and parts of the North End. The first 2 remain primarily working class lifelong residents who don't enjoy anyone moving in and changing their area, esp what they think are alternate lifestyles or minorities. The latter doesn't so much care as much as they don't want anyone who isn't Italian and born there living there. But even in those towns there are exceptions and it won't always be a problem...just might be.

Beyond that aside from the stray moron (which exists sadly everywhere) you won't have any problems. Remember we're the only state where gay marriage is legal! That tells you a lot about how much folks do not care! So no worries :)

Answer 2

Massachusetts is a rather liberal state and considering that it is the only state that has legalized gay marriage it is probably one of the safest states. However I believe that as long as you are not being obnoxious you should be fine (this goes for all orientations, races, organizations, etc.). Boston is a rather tolerant city, you just need to know your audience as some parts may be more tolerant than others.

Answer 3

Eastern Massachusetts -- the majority of people are wicked cool with it. A lot of gay students come to college in Boston because the gay population is fairly high and widely accepted. My college academic advisor is a married lesbian and everyone thinks the world of her. There's a lot of gay culture stuff that goes on -- bars, film festivals, nights at the MFA, that sort of stuff.

In western Massachusetts, like Springfield, they are a bit more conservative. They aren't quite so fond of our gay marriage laws and stick more to old school culture. But, it's not uncommon to have gays out there, either.

So, in the majority of Massachusetts, any gay is safe and accepted. There may be small exceptions, mostly in the west, but again you have to work with the majority.

Answer 4

stopspuc... generallizes too much about western MA. Northhampton may be the lesbian capital of the US.

But even in places where a lot of people cling to homophobia gays are pretty much left alone other than the occasional bashing remark (usually by teenagers who would mouth off against something else otherwise, as kids are prone to do). If the gay marriage issue were to come to referendum now in MA as the "save marriage" a**holes and much of the Catholic clergy are pushing for repeal (of gay marriage) would likely fail overwhelmingly and gay rights defenders ought to let that happen.

Answer 5

I live in a small town where people of all color and sexual orientation are welcome.

I believe Gays and Lesbians who live here have as wonderful a lifestyle as anyone. Perhaps it is because Boston is one of the educational and cultural centers of the world.

While there are always homophobes, racists, religionists and sexists in every community, I think they tend to clique and stay in their own circles.

That's okay because there are plenty of other people and things to do.

To each his own.

Come to Massachusetts and enjoy yourself exactly as you are!

Answer 6

Boston Metro is very Gay friendly. Certain neighborhoods in particular are considered very gay friendly - the South End, Back Bay, Dorchester-area (up and comping), Theatre District. Cambridge, across the river is equally populated with Gay families, as it's more residential than other Boston metor areas. No worries about your orientation here. All are welcome.