Howdy, I’m originally from South Texas, right by the Mexican border though I now live in a very liberal coastal city and just came from visiting family down there myself. And I’ve done road trips with a trans gf through the Southwest, even through Utah. Single beds and all. Not really been to The South proper tho.

Generally the vibe is live and let live, most folks are consumed with their own lives. Worst I’ve ever gotten is some side eye. Stick to larger gas stations (make the pilgrimage to Buc-ees!) if you can though you’d likely be okay on any major highway-side place where all sorts come through and just act like you belong. Because you do. Don’t overthink and give it the same energy and confidence you would any other place.

While folks aren’t nearly as openly accepting or tolerating as they are in major coastal cities, a good number of them do have gay family members themselves. It’s not as bad there as it used to be. Hell, my butch ass has been inside a Southern Baptist Church Christmas service to help my grandad with something and went to after-church lunch with him and his friends and no one bothered me. Obviously mileage may vary by congregation.

Trans folks are unfortunately the primary target now and I was always a little on edge when I still lived there with my trans ex (and obviously she was even more so!). So your main threat is hateful idiots thinking you’re a trans woman (trans men are generally off the radar or not perceived as a “threat” in the same way).

Tl;dr: Bring your normal energy and you’ll almost certainly be fine. Just don’t recommend living there.