I lived in both NC and SC. SC seemed way conservative to me but I also think that probably any state, especially a university town, would have some pockets of liberalism.

I guess my main concern would be statewide stuff. For example, in CA, DW is Shane's parent, correct? Would that travel with you to SC? I don't know but I would just check into exactly what legal rights you might be giving up.

Aw, amyth. feel free to share anything you want.

amyth, that's funny - you mentioned the two cities we're thinking about (Greenville & Charleston). I lived in G'ville in the early-mid 80s and loved it. Of course, I was a young teen so things were different then. I love Charleston. Such a cool town. My parents & brother live in Columbia, but I don't know much about it. Who knows? We'd keep our CA condo and rent it out so that if we hated SC we could move back...

I have a coworker/friend who grew up in Columbia SC and visits there often (her parents live there still). She's really liberal, and has little kids and a gay brother. I can ask her what her thoughts on Columbia and other SC towns are.

That would be great, flea! Thanks.

Nonian, DW adopted Shane in CA and I believe that stands no matter the state. But our marriage, which is currently recognized in CA would not be in SC. I also believe that SC is a state in which you can legally be fired for being gay, so that's not so good.

NC is an "at will" state. You can be legally fired for breathing in the wrong key if your boss feels like it. However, in the more liberal areas, being gay is unlikely to be an employment issue.

I just Googled to see if I could find a site breaking down your legal rights by state, and this is in today's Charleston paper [link]

Thanks, Nora! Honestly, I wouldn't know where to start right now, but maybe soon.

Nice article, flea. I made the mistake of reading the comments, though. When will I learn?

NC is an "at will" state. You can be legally fired for breathing in the wrong key if your boss feels like it.

So is California.

Glamcookie, it's only 3 hours or so to Columbia from the Triangle, NC. My dad's family lives in Columbia and my parents live in Raleigh, and they make that trip all the time. Out of the two states, I think the Triangle is your best bet for a welcoming community. Many of the larger companies/institutions include sexuality in their EEO policies, and some do offer health insurance and other benefits to same sex partners, including a couple of town governments. I think the Triangle also offers much more diversified employment possibilities than anywhere in SC - tech companies, government and non-profits, large universities, etc.

Man, I am shilling hard for a place I don't live anymore.