Love and Visibility in Chattanooga
According to Queerty.com, Timothy Paul Jasper “PJ” McKay and husband Thomas McKay, also known as The Property Lovers, are proving that authenticity doesn’t require a big city backdrop. With over 750,000 Instagram followers and 160,000 YouTube subscribers, the couple is admired for their DIY renovations, HGTV spotlight (Down To The Studs, 2017), and their heartwarming family story.
As Queerty.com highlights, PJ and Thomas met when Thomas was 19 and PJ was 24. After 15 years together and raising three young children, they’ve chosen to remain in their hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee, a decision that surprises many of their fans.
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Why Stay in a Small Town?
Over the weekend, the couple addressed one of their most frequently asked questions: Why not move to a larger, more accepting city? Their answer, reported by Queerty.com, resonated deeply:
“Representation matters. If every gay person left small conservative towns, those places would never get the chance to grow.”
Their response has struck a powerful chord. Instead of chasing acceptance elsewhere, the McKays have chosen to embody it where they live. They believe that their openness in Chattanooga helps shift perceptions, creating subtle but lasting change within their community.
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Raising a Family With Pride
As Queerty.com notes, PJ and Thomas want their children to grow up knowing that authenticity isn’t limited to metropolitan skylines. “For us, joy isn’t only found in the big city lights. It’s also in front porches, family dinners, and the community that raised us.”
By choosing to stay, they’re not just raising kids, they’re raising visibility. Their presence as a proud gay family in a conservative town sends a powerful message: you can live openly and joyfully anywhere.
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Community Reactions
The couple’s posting, covered by Queerty.com, received nearly 30,000 likes and countless comments. One follower admitted, “I have always wondered how hard it was for you guys to be a family openly in your small town. In mine, it’s hard being gay/bi. Couldn’t imagine going out to dinner with a date.”
Another commenter shared, “If we left, we wouldn’t be making a difference. Change is good. Small towns need to learn how to be more open-minded and let go of the hate. You two are inspiring!”
Not everyone agrees, though. As Queerty.com points out, some LGBTQ+ individuals feel safer or freer leaving their small towns. Both choices — staying to spark change or leaving to find acceptance — are valid, and both take courage.
Small Town vs. Big City
PJ and Thomas emphasize that every queer journey is unique. For some, big cities offer freedom, opportunity, and a larger LGBTQ+ community. For others, like the McKays, small-town life offers connection, belonging, and the chance to transform perspectives from within.
As a conclusion, both paths matter — and both are brave. By choosing to stay, the McKays continue to show that representation can thrive anywhere, even in the most unexpected places.
