belfastguy

I've had a look around for any similar threads but didn't spot anything obvious, so my apologies if this a repeat to other threads on here.

From the reading of the threads already posted I've noticed a pretty large network of friendly people in Houston offering people social connections. However, the reason for my post is that I don't notice anyone from the gay community posting.

Basically, it looks like I could be re-locating to Houston with my partner, we don't have any children but we do have a border collie- again thanks for the wealth of advice for traveling with pets. I'm just wondering if there was a gay presence on this forum to meet people of a similar background. We'll be travelling on a E2 visa and with the 3-month wait for work I envision a lonely time at home without a social network for my partner (and myself).

All the best!

sir_eccles

To get a derivative visa from your or your partner's E2 you will have to be married. The former civil partnership is not enough but can be converted to a full marriage if that is what you have. USCIS has no problem with same sex marriage. Some states and cities are lagging in general anti discrimination laws. Not sure where Houston stands so be aware.

belfastguy

Thanks Sir_Eccles!

Yeah I read other people's threads on here regarding the E2 visa and marriage. From my research Texas recognises same sex marriage but it is being contested apparently. So hopefully there won't be a change anytime soon.

mikelincs

For the purposes of immigration it won't matter what Texas decide, immigratiion is federal and therefore not in the remit of individual states.

sir_eccles

Yes I should have been clearer. I brought it up in light of N Carolina and Mississippi passing discrimination bills recently. It is something to bear in mind for day to day quality of life.

Bob

I can't help, but welcome to BE and good luck!

Also, kudos for having a bit of a search around first

Jerni

Welcome! Can't help with the Texas part or the E2 but my partner and I are a same-sex couple in NY. We went through the Greencard process a couple of years ago (my partner is the USC and I'm a Brit). I'll be applying for citizenship this October based on our marriage.

Weeze

We have two border collies! Can't help much. Houston is pretty inclusive and the mayor is gay.

Ash UK/US

This forum needs a 'like' button.

belfastguy

That's fantastic! Good luck on your citizenship!

Thanks everyone for your replies

BubbleChog

The karma button is essentially a "like" button

Lx

Pulaski

Houston voters rejected down an ordinance in a referendum that mirrored very closely the ordinance that Charlotte passed, and was overturned by the controversial NC law.

If you take the time to read the various articles that are better informed about what has happened you will find that spokesmen for the LGBT community admit that the law has little if any impact on them - it is designed to restrict the rights of sexual predators (heterosexual ones) to flought convention over which toilet and locker room to use.

Owen778

I agree with this. The outer suburbs are generally more socially conservative, but not to an extreme.

That said, I suspect you will encounter a few educated people whose religious background means they are very offended, in a way that is very rare in the UK these days. Don't let it stop you coming here, but be prepared for it to happen occasionally.

sir_eccles

I must be reading different reports. As usual the laws are being framed as not really anti lgbt just something else. Like the anti abortion laws are about women's safety and voter suppression laws are about non existent voter fraud.