Census shows 2,798 same-sex households in Vermont

[handmade34]

http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20110713/NEWS02/110713043/Census-shows-2-798-same-sex-households-Vermont?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE


“The new census data shows that lesbians and gay men are woven into the fabric of Vermont, and are raising children and living and working alongside their heterosexual neighbors,” Susan Murray, a lawyer who lobbied and worked for civil unions and marriage rights for gay and lesbian couples, wrote in an email.

She added that predictions of “disaster” occasioned by Vermont’s passage in 2009 of a same-sex-marriage law have not come true.

“Straight and gay Vermonters are living side-by-side in harmony,” Murray wrote."

[stuckinseaofred]

1. Could You Offer Some Advice?

I live in a medium sized urban area in Oklahoma. My partner and I had a civil union in Vermont shortly after the legislation became effective in 2000. We fell in love with Vermont on that trip, and we have since returned many times with our family to explore your beautiful state further. It's time for my partner to retire, and we are planning on relocating there as early as next summer.

One of the reasons we are leaving is that we are essentially second class citizens in this part of the country, and we certainly have no government relationship recognition and little to no societal support. I have been to many places all over this country, and I know there are progressive people everywhere, and there are right-wing haters everywhere as well. It has been our personal observation that Vermont (and to a certain extent other places in New England) are much more progressive and welcoming of us as a gay family than this right wing stronghold we have had to live in for reasons that are beyond the scope of this post.

Although we're excited, we will be leaving all of our extended family and friends and moving to a state where we do not yet have friends or acquaintances. We want to look for real estate in the more progressive areas, and obviously stay away from any potential right wing strongholds.

Would you be so kind as to share your insights and opinions about the most progressive, educated communities in the northwest quadrant of the state? In addition, any advice on areas that should best be avoided would be most appreciated.

Finally, do you know any gay couples who have relocated to Vermont from any southern or central states?

Thank you in advance for your time. If you prefer to contact me directly rather than post this information, please e-mail me at [e-mail].

Sincerely,

stuckinseaofred

[stuckinarut]

2. If you are moving here to the northwest,

I would recommend maybe Winooski or St. Albans area. Close enough to get the flavor of Burlington, but far enough away that you can be away from the college kids.

I would not recommend Williston..it is very commercial and just kinda blah. Vermont is definitely a "live and let live" type of place, and you won't find a better community than in the Burlington Area. VERY progressive, and youthful. Also, the most populated city of VT, with culture, music, great food and a local co-op. What more could you ask for...oh yah..the lakes/rivers/streams/hiking/biking (tens of miles of bikepaths)

You will love it here! I hope this helps..if you have any other questions I'll check back.

[mh74562]

3. +1