Hey, everyone. Hoping to get some help and advice on this matter.
My buddy and I are planning a road trip for this Summer. Super stoked. I do have a little concern however now that we're in the planning stages.
My friend is very visibly gay and has a gender-neutral clothing vibe to him (i.e., wears skirts and crop tops when it's hot, jewelry, etc.). I am very proud and supportive of him living and expressing himself in a very authentic to himself. I do worry about him being harassed on our trip however. I also would never tell him to "tone it down" or suggest he outwardly change himself momentarily for this trip.
Here are the states we are going to be traveling to:
• Utah
• Colorado
• Montana
• Washington
• Oregon
• Nevada
• Arizona
• New Mexico
Doing a West Coast/Rockies/Southwest trip.
While I know that each region, state, city, and honestly even as niche as town-by-town, can have their own culture and vary significantly on overall perspective and attitude towards men dressing a lot more feminine, traveling and safety in this regard is never something I've had to think about. Just with how things are nowadays, I just want my bro to be safe and not made uncomfortable, upset, or in harms way. I've done half of this route before, nothing stood out to me as being potentially dangerous or hostile, but as I said, I've not had to think about these concerns towards myself.
With this situation and concerns, and locations in mind, are there any particular areas that you instinctively strongly recommend we don't stop in? If you are gay or LGBT, and have gone on a roadtrip in the Rockies/West/Southwest area before, were there any locations that made you feel or actually be unsafe and wouldn't stop in again? If you live in these states, are there any places you know to be fervently against those like him? We'd like to stop and stay and sightsee more rural and natural areas. Definitely will take Route 66 too once we reach Nevada/Arizona.
Please let me know! Trying to keep my homie safe. I know these are a lot of states but any and all advice or recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks 🙏