Atheism and Small Towns

[SteelCurtain]

That sounds like such a shitty situation, VP. I am sorry you have to deal with that. I don't have much experience with Mormons, but the one's I've met are generally nice.

Those ladies in the laundry just sound like catty bitches. I would let them be, be nice to them if you have to deal with them, and let them run out of things to gossip about.

If I were you though, I would run out the lease, and get to a larger town. I live in a small town in Tennessee and there is a LGBT Alliance at the high school, there is a gay meetup, and even an atheist meetup. More people is always better in your situation. Just for happiness' sake. I mean you can't meet anyone and even date someone in that town without scandal.

And if they can prove that you are engaging in homosexual activity, there are plenty of municipalities in Utah where it is still legal to evict tenants based on nothing more than sexual orientation. In other words, there is no law that prevents this. I would finish your lease and move to Fresno.

[Vox Populi]

If I'm inviting to church by someone and I don't feel like getting into a theological debate or defending my position I just say "No thanks, I'm not religious" rather than saying the big scary Atheist word. That normally does it. A note about Mormons: it's pretty unlikely that you'll get a negative reaction from Mormons for being an Atheist. I've lived in Utah extensively as an open Atheist and my closest friend's family is Mormon and the Mormons that I know have often gotten more friendly when they discover your unbelief. Proselytizing is such an essential part of the Mormon religion that being an Atheist you are the perfect person to convince, so bringing up Atheism will probably just make them more interested and perhaps more bothersome (as seems to be the case for you). I'd be surprised if you . I can't really think of a time when I've encountered hostility from Mormons. As long as things are good with your landlord and the police (and you certainly can't be evicted for being gay or an Atheist) then it doesn't seem to be much of a problem. Also every small town has non-believers or alternative types. Every small Mormon town I've been to (many) has a liquor store in it somewhere.

Yeah I have a extensive Mormon background. I resigned from the Church when I was 19... It was extremely hard but did successfully do it within 6 months. It's easier to reason with Mormon Men I have know that are younger of course. Lot's of them are more secular in a lot of ways.

Thank you all for your advice. I am looking into options Monday. I found some articles after going through page after page of search result's on Bing. I have found Games (like my favorite... Star Trek Online) and keeping yourself busy along with staying off the "trading and gossip rings" in town are the best.

:-)

[Whateverist]

You have all my sympathy. Frankly, if your situation was in a Steven King novel I would be extremely worried.

Seriously this is a major bummer. I hope you can just do your time and get out ASAP. I'd pray for you but, you know.

[Vox Populi]

You have all my sympathy. Frankly, if your situation was in a Steven King novel I would be extremely worried.

Seriously this is a major bummer. I hope you can just do your time and get out ASAP. I'd pray for you but, you know.

LOL! Thanks. Its not too terribly horrible. The views are amazing. I am surrounded by mountains and things. It's just that 1-3 days out of the week when you run into someone ignorant or a bigot. Sadly there is no good opportunity here and I see this town as a dead end. The growth isn't even here. This town could be amazing if they opened there minds and realize that everything except Rent/Power is expensive. They extort everyone esp on grocery's (9.99 for 12-pack of Pepsi for example). It's just good to know there is a forum (new to this forum things) and that once this is all behind, I will laugh and enjoy the city. I will miss the mountains and adapt to a concrete jungle but the pay off is worth it. Thanks again :-)

[Thumpalumpacus]

I live in a small town in Texas, which is fairly religious, but clearly more tolerant.

If you're really worried about eviction or other legal issues, get in touch with the ACLU before anything happens, and ask them for legal advice and pointers so that you are armed with information before the balloon goes up.

If you're worried about vandalism, it's Idaho. Buy a gun, and shoot the fucker who touches your stuff. Don't be discreet in your shopping, either. You might even ask a neighbor for their recommendations ... word will clearly get around, and you don't even have to purchase the weapon for that effect.

Good luck, bud.