Louise Lopez expertly guides queer individuals to vibrant, inclusive U.S. and North American neighborhoods with 15+ years of dedicated experience, ensuring they find not just a home, but a community where their authenticity is celebrated and protected.
One of the most common thoughts you might have before relocating anywhere is how accepting the locals are towards the LGBTQ+ lifestyle. It is a very valid concern and something that sadly still needs to be considered in this day and age.
To help queer folx who are considering moving to Gay Mississippi, we have put together this guide from experts on the ground, considering the pros and cons of life here, discussing LGBT rights in Mississippi and whether Mississippi embraces our community.
We also take a look at the most gay-friendly cities in Mississippi and LGBT community organizations in Mississippi that you should be aware of!
Mississippi is a beautiful state with a natural landscape for various outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, hiking, and much more. The state of Mississippi is also popular for its agriculture, blues, and delicious Southern cuisine. Some of the cities in Mississippi are also centers for culture and arts, diversity, and music. Now we have said some nice things; we need to be brutally honest…
Unfortunately, Mississippi is not generally considered to be a very LGBTQ-friendly state. While there has been some progress in recent years in terms of LGBTQ+ rights, the state still lags behind many others in terms of protections and support for its LGBTQ+ community. There are no state-level laws in Mississippi that explicitly prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity in employment, housing, or public accommodations.
However, in Biloxi, Mississippi, there is a budding movement towards greater inclusivity. This coastal city, known for its tourism and hospitality, has shown signs of a more welcoming attitude towards LGBTQ+ individuals compared to the state as a whole. Despite the state’s broader legislative landscape, Biloxi’s local businesses and community groups have been working to create a more inclusive environment. Nonetheless, Mississippi still maintains laws and policies that actively discriminate against LGBTQ+ people, such as allowing businesses to cite “religious beliefs” to deny services to LGBTQ+ individuals and banning same-sex adoption.
Basically, this means you have to be prepared for some people to treat you differently simply because of who you are. Even so, that doesn’t mean that Mississippi has nothing to offer the LGBTQ+ community and there’s a reason why Mississippi is known as Hospitality State! People here are so friendly and welcoming that you will feel right at home if you pick the right neighborhood.
One other aspect of this state that attracts people here each year is that it has a low cost of living, so you can be sure that life in Mississippi will be quite affordable. Here you will also be able to enjoy big city amenities in a rural setting, lots of entertainment, a variety of restaurants to satisfy your cravings, easy access to fresh farm produce, and some pretty low-cost education and housing.
To reduce the stress of your potential relocation, we recommend engaging a gay realtor in Mississippi early in the process to help you find your new perfect home there. They will have up-to-the-minute information on the best cities and areas for LGBT people and be able to match your needs to a neighborhood most suited to you.
You can just start with a no-obligation conversation, and if you decide to continue with your move to Mississippi – they will not only have your best interests at heart but also ensure you are treated with dignity and respect throughout the entire process.
In this article we will cover...
Highlights Of Moving To Gay Mississippi
It’s hard not to get enthusiastic about the unique and tempting proposition that moving to Mississippi presents – especially once you get chatting with residents and long-time locals in the know about all their state’s hidden gems and best-kept secrets. After all, this is why many chose to live here.
Once you move here, you should quickly befriend locals, let them ‘spill the tea’ and then spend your free time discovering the best sights, food, nature and culture Mississippi has to offer. On top of this, thanks to an offbeat yet deeply engaged LGBT community – which congregates at a few fabulous queer hot spots – securing a relocation to Mississippi should allow you to meet local queer people with similar interests.
We are certain locals will have many more to add, but to get you excited, here are just a few highlights to look forward to as you become Mississippi’s newest denizen.
The Home Of Hospitality
Normally, you would consider a stranger coming up to you and starting a conversation weird. However, things are a little different in Hospitality State. It’s normal for strangers to say hi as you walk down the street because it’s simply courteous to do so.
No matter where you’re from and who you are, people here will make you feel comfortable and welcome. Try not to look surprised when a neighbor surprises you with a kind gesture. Simply say hi back!
Rich History
You always want to know the history of a place if you’re thinking of moving there. Mississippi is a state with lots of history. Whether it’s Mississippi History, Native history, or Black history, there’s much to learn here. You’ve probably heard some disappointing stories about crime rates, poverty, slavery, and racism. But the truth is that there are some positive aspects to this state too.
Music
You can’t beat Mississippi when it comes to music. The state is home to some of America’s greatest musical icons, such as Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, Jimmi Rodgers, Britney Spears, and so many more! Faith Hill, Rae Sremmurd, Snoop Dogg, Bo Diddley, and Rick Ross, amongst others, also call Mississippi home.
LGBTQ+ Rights In The USA
The laws governing lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people have altered considerably over time in the United States and vary from state to state. In many ways, LGBT rights are some of the best in the world – but the devil is in the detail, and some places are much more hostile to queer life than others.
While same-sex marriage has been legal in every state since the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges ruling on June 26, 2015 (before Obergefell v. Hodges, same-sex marriage was legal in 36 states and Washington, D.C. ), LGBT people are still treated differently in different states – both societally and as inequality under the law.
Over half of all states still allow discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression, while counties and cities within states often have distinct laws as well. While some states permit adoption by all couples, others forbid it for all unmarried couples.
This is all to say what most of us already know is that LGBT rights and equality differ greatly across the USA, and the specifics of family, marriage and anti-discrimination laws are different in every state.
Thus, while it is comforting to know that you can choose to marry whoever you love across the USA (and have it recognized as such) and are protected against hate crimes based on sexual orientation or gender identity (which can be punished under Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009), there are still many questions you will likely have about moving to Mississippi and what you can expect of LGBT life there.
Does Mississippi Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
When it comes to matters that require progressive thinking and attitudes, Mississippi is still a tad conservative. While the state is known as the epitome of southern hospitality, the same doesn’t apply to LGBT individuals and families that have chosen to call Mississippi home.
When it comes to the state legislature, the state is sending a not-so-subtle message that southern hospitality isn’t extended to the LGBT community.
Even so, the truth is that while statewide policies might not support the LGBT community extensively, these prejudices can be overcome at the city, community, and personal levels. Even so, some of the states’ cities have gone far in adopting anti-discrimination resolutions that are to spearhead the protection of all residents and, more so, those of the LGBT community.
In many areas around the country, cities with universities and colleges tend to lean more toward activism and social awareness. However, in Mississippi, which is also the country’s poorest state, the idea of queer life is a careful balance often streamlined by institutions like the workplace, school, and the church.
It’s true that such institutions in the state have not been friendly toward the LGBT community. However, the most ironic thing is that queer life is still flourishing in spite of all this.
In the past, the state’s older LGBT community would meet in places such as classrooms, athletic fields, church socials, and family reunions. While most of the institutions would condemn ‘sexual and gender deviance,’ most of the time, it is on the grounds of these same institutions where queer sexual activity would happen.
This isn’t to say that the entire state of Mississippi is against the queer community. Far from it. The state has pockets of acceptance and inclusivity. For any queer person moving here, you can be sure to find LGBT organizations that will offer the resources and support you require to live comfortably and be part of a loving and welcoming community.
Is Mississippi An Expensive State To Move To
The cost of living in Mississippi is the second lowest in the entire country. Furthermore, living in rural parts of the state is more affordable than living in urban parts of the state. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most significant costs that will contribute to your cost of living.
Housing
If you are on the hunt for a state that will offer you an affordable cost of housing, Mississippi is quite the contender. Housing costs in the state are below the country’s average, even in urban areas. You’ll be lucky to pay rent of below $1,000 for a one-bedroom house.
Food Prices
There’s a lot of delicious food for you to try out in Mississippi! And, you’re lucky that food costs are also below the national median here. Residents of Mississippi pay between $200- $230 per person for food each month. This easily translates to between $2,400 and $2,750 each year. Food costs in Mississippi are amongst the lowest in the country, and groceries cost 6.9% less than the national median.
Transportation
Transport costs in the state are also lower than the national average. Simply remember that you will need a car to help you get around because the state is mostly rural.
Utilities
As with all other costs, the utility rates in the state are also much lower than in the rest of the country.
LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In Mississippi
Wherever you live, it is essential that you support LGBT organizations in any way you can so that they can keep reaching out to and assisting other, more vulnerable members of the community. After all, we are stronger when we work together, and each of us will likely have a time in our lives when we require a little extra support.
Thankfully, Mississippi has a supportive and diverse LGBTQ community, which has helped the state become more gay-friendly in recent years.
As a result, there are a variety of LGBT resources available to community members, their allies, friends, and families – and you ought to feel free to utilize them or consider giving your support as needed to keep your new home state moving forwards! They are also great places to meet new people and find your queer chosen family in Gay Mississippi.
The LGBTQ Fund of Mississippi is on a mission to ensure that all LGBTQ residents of the state have the opportunity to live in a safe environment, freely and without the fear of discrimination, prejudice, and isolation.
The fund also invests and develops resources to enhance efforts that give voice to the needs of LGBTQ people in the state. LGBTQ Fund of Mississippi is the premier and only fund in the state that aims to offer support to organizations that seek to improve the quality of life for the LGBTQ communities of Mississippi.
Gulf Coast Equality is made up of LGBTQ people that seek to ensure that those living in the Mississippi Gulf Coast and their allies come together with a variety of resources. The organization also seeks to enhance and foster equality while celebrating diversity.
Gulf Coast Equality also seeks to offer a community center for the region’s LGBTQ community that offers outreach and an array of services to the LGBTQ community, their friends, families, and allies. The center is meant to be a place where the general public can come and learn about the LGBTQ community, their culture, issues, and needs.
The mission of the Mississippi Rainbow Center is to be a resource for LGBTQ+ people, their allies, and the community through outreach, community involvement, support, and education with the aim of fostering unity, equality, and acceptance. They also seek to create a community that is affirming and accepting of all the different cultures that are in Mississippi.
Most Gay-Friendly Cities In Mississippi
In Mississippi, there are many wonderful areas to live in, but when relocating to LGBTQ Mississippi, you should be cognizant that there are a few cities and gaybourhoods that are nearer to the queer hubs of life. Knowing them will allow you to pull your U-Haul up to your new house in a gay-friendly neighborhood or town that is best suited to your needs.
If you’re a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or otherwise queer person seeking a welcoming neighborhood with facilities you’ll cherish, start with these top gay and gay-friendly Mississippi cities to discover your perfect new home, each with its distinct personality.
Give yourself enough time to acquaint yourself with Mississippi’s diverse personalities, and remember that there is no one perfect answer when it comes to the most gay-friendly places in Mississippi… and just because it does not make our list doesn’t necessarily make it a bad option.
We recommend speaking to a local LGBT real estate agent for a more detailed understanding of the best options today. Now, let’s take a look at where these fabulously gay-friendly cities in Mississippi are and why you might want to consider them!
Jackson
If the lawmakers in Mississippi were to have all the power to do exactly what they wanted, there would be nothing like same-sex marriage, queer relationships, sex or adoption in the state. The only reason they can’t do this is that federal courts outlaw discrimination against LGBTQ people. While it seems that there’s a non-existent LGBT community in the South, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
The truth is that the LGBTQ+ community here is much bigger than you would think. It’s quite impossible to walk to the local mall in Jackson and not bump into a few gay people. There are also quite a number of LGBTQ establishments, such as Wanderlust, an LGBTQ+ dance club and Pandolfo’s, a bar that is thought to be the center for most LGBT nightlife in the city.
If you’re looking for a welcoming neighborhood, you should definitely check out Fondren. It is a lively, walkable neighborhood with a variety of restaurants, gay-friendly shopping establishments, and a hippy atmosphere.
The Bean, an exquisite coffee hangout, is welcoming, and so is the Saltine Oyster Bar. The truth is that while Jackson seems to be very queer-friendly, the truth is that there’s nothing here without limits.
Of course, the Mississippi friendliness isn’t lost on anyone when they notice you are gay. It’s just the backstabbing during voting that will tell you exactly what people think. Even so, organizations such as Jackson Pride Center exist to represent the members of the LGBTQ+ community- including transgenders, seniors, youth, and veterans.
As with the case with such cities, maybe it’s best to simply watch out for who you trust with information that could compromise your safety.
Magnolia
Magnolia, Mississippi, is a city with a very small population of slightly above 2,430. The city is proud of carrying the moniker of the state, also called ‘Magnolia State.” While Magnolia is truly a small city, there’s no doubt that it’s on the road to being a progressive city.
For instance, the city council has passed a resolution that recognizes the worth and dignity of all residents. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people have not been left behind. While not all of the cities in Mississippi can say the same thing, for Magnolia, this is a step in the right direction. It also shows that the city is trying to make a statement as a location that embraces diversity.
Some of the LGBTQ+ residents in the city are not to be left behind either. Advocacy efforts are evident all around the city. Magnolia is home to Youth of Color, an organization that’s dedicated to the equality of everyone regardless of their gender identity, expression, or sexual orientation.
All this, put together, has made significant contributions to the city’s progressiveness. You can be sure that there’s quite a bit of nightlife to enjoy here, seeing as the city used to be the destination of choice for the elite of New Orleans, that would come here to enjoy parties.
Hattiesburg
As the home of William Carey College and the University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg is considered one of the most progressive Mississippi cities. There’s usually no doubt that where there’s a young, educated crowd, chances are that there are also progressive attitudes and inclusive, welcoming thinking.
Hattiesburg is home to The Spectrum Center of Hattiesburg. The center is a community resource with a visible physical presence throughout the state. It works with other pro-LGBT groups to enhance the safety and acceptance of LGBT people in the state.
While there’s not much to say about Hattiesburg, it might be helpful to look at the overall attitude of the state and neighboring cities when it comes to LGBT-friendliness. Even so, sometimes, cities simply need to see more LGBT transplants before they are forced to come to terms with the necessity of being more forward-thinking and progressive.
Finding Gay Realtors In Mississippi
When looking for the ideal realtor, why would you consider someone’s sexuality? This may seem strange at first, but there are several reasons why contacting a gay realtor in Mississippi is a great way to find your dream house.
After all, when it relates to one of life’s most significant transactions, it’s not unreasonable to expect fair, equal, and honest representation from someone who understands the queer community’s particular needs and wishes.
Furthermore, unfortunately, many people (up to a third of Americans) believe that our community does not deserve protection and dignity in housing, adoption, employment, and other areas of life.
So it’s no surprise that LGBT people who use mainstream realtors often describe feelings of discomfort, unnecessary trouble, unenthusiastic representation, or even antagonism or outright contempt.
Everyone deserves a pleasant, stress-free home buying or selling experience while being adequately represented, and this is why we feel you should hire a gay realtor to assist you in finding your future home.
LGBTQ realtors are more likely to be familiar with the diverse communities in their area and know which ones may be best suited to you when looking for a home.
That’s not to say a heterosexual realtor isn’t capable, but they’ve probably never had to address many of the issues LGBT people face.
Rather than just being concerned with how bustling, fashionable, or up-and-coming a neighborhood is (or what it may appear like), gay realtors conduct extensive research into the neighborhoods in which they sell homes to ensure that clients are safe.
It used to be challenging to locate professional LGBT-friendly real estate agents in Mississippi, and it was virtually impossible to find one if you were relocating here from out of state and didn’t have access to a local referral.
You no longer have to search for a realtor without knowing whether or not they are accepting of others because you can use a list of gay, lesbian, and gay-friendly agents in Mississippi to do all of your homework for you.
Simply go to the page, and you’ll be presented with a free list of gay, lesbian, and gay-friendly agents who can help you with your relocation, as well as other useful information like LGBT+friendly schools, shopping, storage firms, tradespeople, and more.
Read the biographies of LGBT real estate agents, then choose the one who is right for you. It’s critical that you find someone who will be by your side and support you and your family during one of life’s most exciting occasions.
Even better, there is no hidden motive, cost, or obligation whatsoever!
