I live in a red state...South Carolina, and I am openly gay.  I haven't had any real problems, but there are people out there that still think that "beating up queers and niggers" on friday night is the thing to do.  I'll never forget being at a barbeque given by my partners' sister, and her husband had invited some of his work buddies.  Well after alot of beer drinking and eating, near dark, a group of them announced that this is what they were going to go out and do.  This was about 15 years ago...but I left immediately and got sick on the way home.  The thought of people actually doing such a thing and announcing it proudly....made me sick and frightened.  Had it been now, I would have gotten a license # and made a call to the police about what I heard....but 15 years ago, I am sad to say I was intimidated and scared of being gay in this very unfriendly state,and needless to say alot younger!
Things have improved here over the years, but I really believe it has improved because there are more "out" people.  Somehow, it will have to come to that in Alabama...although I'm not sure how, with the kind of political leadership currently in power.