I think for now I've decided to MAYBE tell certain people only if it came up, like a few friends that I know would be ok with it. I know this doesn't really sound like a decision but its all I've come up with for now.

I know what you mean about the small rural southern town thing though. Areas like that can be really ignorant sometimes. A few hours north of where I live I saw a huge confederate flag in front of a building. I don't think it was there for historical reasons...