[mariojv]

Gay guy here in San Antonio who has lived in the Bay Area, thought I would chime in with my perspective since you mentioned the city. There is definitely more gay culture in SF/large coastal cities, but I don't think it's as desolate as one may think.

There are for sure way fewer bars, but the few that are here are always packed on weekends. The scene is also less centralized, so I don't think I meet as many LGBTQ people randomly as I would in say SF.

On the other hand, I would say that a good percentage of my friends are LGBTQ. I also my met my husband here, gone to our Pride events many times, have seen a bunch of live drag, and generally feel comfortable being out.

If someone's thinking of moving to a smaller city and the perceived lack of gay culture was the only thing holding them back, I would say just go for it.