It sounds like you have spent real time in vanishingly few places in the U.S. With regard to LGBT protections -- as a queer person I've experienced vibrant, pr

It sounds like you have spent real time in vanishingly few places in the U.S. With regard to LGBT protections -- as a queer person I've experienced vibrant, proud and welcoming communities all over the place. Midwest (Twin Cities, Columbus, Chicago) south (New Orleans, Atlanta). Not to diminish the importance of making progress, but your actual life is highly unlikely to be affected by whatever laws are still on the books in certain areas. There are millions of happy, successful LGBT people all over the country.