I regret not being able to join you for the Austin trip, but it is good, in some ways, that you were able to interact with other locals outside my presence. It is good to be reminded of the deeply held biases that exist in this State. HH was closed to minors when the local nudist group (Hill Country Nudists) advertised a family day at the park. This included many games, watermelon eating and face painting all while adults and children were OMG! completely and fully naked. This disturbed the sensitivities of the 'moral majority' at the time and a political newcomer decided to make it a stepping stone to further his ambitions. This action fell into the shadows for a few decades, until this new phase of anti-woke political posturing entered the scene. This brought about new signs further admonishing the nudist lifestyle as an adults only activity to be closely monitored and constrained. You may not have noticed the rangers, but you were being monitored.
The far end of the park has always been a place for gay people to feel comfortable. It is also a place where heterosexual females tend to relax to avoid the persistent lake rats that are found elsewhere. I guess that there are people in other places that still think that gays are motivated to convert young men to their lifestyle, but here in Texas it is encouraged to spread those biased perceptions to anyone that 'needs to hear' them. Mostly, I feel it is people that are not entirely comfortable with their own sexuality. Is that why so many Texas males must have big belt buckles, hats & trucks?
I grew up here and have adopted a pattern of ending conversations and/or leaving the room when the closed minded start voicing their prejudice towards anyone that isn't like them. Like the abused housewife, I take it in stride, wondering why I still put up with it.
Anyway, thank you for sharing these Lone Star State adventures and perspectives. And thanks for giving me a voice from the proverbial couch. I look forward to our next meeting and our continued sharing of ideas and adventures.
~Safebare
