The Advocate's "Gayest Cities in America"

My hometown was again nominated as one of Advocate's Gayest Cities in America, the annual list that causes more confusion than congratulations. New York? LA? Chicago? Yeah, they're not on the list, but to be fair, I'm pretty sure The Advocate uses it to illuminate several cities -- most of them in conservative states -- that one wouldn't think of as LGBT-friendly. I can only vouch for St. Louis: it is in the way that big cities in conservative parts of the country. It doesn't change the face that Missouri as a state has a long way to go.