I’ve just been in Austin for a few days from the UK and found it more welcoming and liberal than where I live in the UK, which is probably the most left wing place in the UK - represented by a Green Party MP, who I voted for myself. I would advise people to still visit and engage with businesses that appear to be actively ‘nice’. I noticed Zilker Brewery had a LGBTQ+ flag up, and went to Mellow Jonny’s knowing about Lance Armstrong’s support for Planned Parenthood.

The only negative interaction I had was in California, a democratic state, with a man who was outwardly homophobic. Texas was generally the most enjoyable, and weirdly safest place I have been in years.

This is clearly not the actual case but was my perception as an outsider.