Hey, folks,
I’m potentially moving to SA early next year or sooner. I’m looking for a little advice on a few things, but mainly safety and atmosphere. I’m an out gay man. I know SA itself is fairly blue/accepting, but it still scares me to move to Texas during these particular political times. Can anyone give me an idea of what it’s actually like there for queer people? Bonus if you can suggest any non-club ways to make queer friends, especially outside of hookups/grindr and that sort of thing.
I’m generally pretty politically active, left wing. Anywhere decent to get involved outside of just donating to the local Democratic party or something?
My situation is a little different, housing wise, as well. I’ll be staying in an RV in Hidden Valley RV Park just south of the city (or similar, but that’s the best one I’ve found so far), working as a CNA until I’ve made enough to afford an apartment on my own. I don’t want roommates, and this is the only way for me to do that realistically. Done the RV thing before, but being outside of the city itself, I’m not sure about safety. So if anyone knows the place, advice there is welcome, too.
Thanks in advance, folks!
Hi and welcome. Most people are pretty chill and don’t care who you love.
In terms of how to meet other gay folks, I can’t say from personal experience as I’m straight. But if you are looking to avoid the club scene, I know that the Pride Center provides lots of support services for the LGBTQ+ community. Even if you’re not needing services, I’m sure they would appreciate volunteers.
If you’re into DnD then Dungeons of Drunks is pretty accepting and there’s many queer folks who participate. They meet at bars, not clubs. But you’re more likely to be made fun of for being a nerd than gay.
Love D&D. It’d be great to get involved in that again. I haven’t played in a long time, and haven’t played consistently since before 4th edition.
San Antonio as a whole is fine, people are really nice. Hidden Valley RV Park looks like it’s pretty far outside town on the southwest side. I can’t say I’ve ever even been near that part of town, but it’s safe to assume much of the area is conservative (whatever that word even means anymore). There’s a large military presence on that side of town too due to Lackland Air Force Base.
It looks like the RV Park itself is pretty isolated and caters to tourists, so you’re going to find a wide variety of folks there. Personally I wouldn’t be worried about my safety at all at that RV Park based on what I’m reading. Whenever we take our trailer out to state and county parks (we live in Austin), everyone we encounter is real friendly.
You’ll find the gay scene is clustered in the north central part of the city, which is a solid drive from that RV Park. Rush hour traffic in SA is no joke, so factor that in to any plans you make. If you’re going into healthcare, I recommend you start practicing Spanish.
I’ve been practicing my Spanish for a while now. Not conversational yet, but what I need is someone to practice it with, I think.
I’m hoping to be able to make this work. Housing is a lot cheaper there, and if I can stay in the camper until I get my financial feet underneath me, I’m hoping it won’t be too hard of a transition. Any general recommendations for things I should do there? Good restaurants, non tourist stuff? I’m moving there to be closer to someone. I’ve only been to the city once, and we didn’t go out at all, except once to visit a friend at his apartment.
The San Antonio Missions National Historic Park is pretty awesome. Better than the Alamo. There’s no harm in checking out the Riverwalk. While there are a lot of tourists, it’s also really nice, and a free walking trail. There are some good spots along it, but most of them are way too expensive to be worth what you’re getting. As far as restaurants, there are too many to even name. I hope you love Mexican food. SA has a thriving live music scene. A lot of metal shows skip Austin in favor of San Antonio, forcing us Austinites to travel. San Antonians love their Spurs. Fiesta is a huge event in April, check it out. Wurstfest in New Braunfels is a 10 day salute to sausage in October complete with beer and polka bands.
Check out some parks around southwest Texas: Lost Maples is one of the few places you’ll find reliable fall color in Texas. Also try: Government Canyon, Old Tunnel, Enchanted Rock, Garner State Park (the Frio River is perfect in the summer), and if you’re able to go further, Big Bend/Terlingua/Fort Davis/Balmorhea/Marfa.
I love day trips, and if I’m living in a camper anyway, weekend trips are pretty reasonable, too!
I’m hoping this is a good move for me. Texas still scares me, but I’m hoping I can fly under the radar for the most part.
Is the area pretty dog friendly? I’ve heard conflicting things from friends
Should be gay friendly. The newly elected mayor is gay.
