My personal life and career took me to various cities and states on the east coast. As a native of Pennsyltucky, and since my family still lives here, I moved back to the area in 2004. The rural area where I grew up still looks the same as it was 45 years ago. Not close to any major highways, the family farms haven't been spoiled by developers and commercialism. In fact, all the kids I grew up with whose families were farmers sold their land to the Amish. Being here brings back fond memories of family and friends interspersed with memories of bullying and humiliation because I was outed as gay in my junior year in high school. The resulting fall out was far from supportive and accepting. I look at the younger generations in my family - my nieces and nephews and their children - and I see progress with more tolerant and accepting views of LGBTQ, minorities and others. But there are still some people in the area whose outlook includes the lingering negative stereotypes and bigotry of 45 years ago.