[diafygi]

The big city culture in Texas is actually quite progressive. Houston was the first major city to elect an openly gay mayor.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annise_Parker

[bdcravens]

Don't forget the startup darling Austin. Lifelong Texan here, and I live in Houston. I have a cousin who has lived in Austin for a long time - 30+ years. She's conservative, and country - she describes Austin as the capital of Texas where you can almost see Texas.