Birmingham is one of the most liberal cities in Alabama, which generally corresponds with a general acceptance of LGBT people. It surprises people, but if you haven’t actually lived there (which I have) then it’s easy to assume it falls into the same old Southern stereotype. Please note that Jefferson County, of which Birmingham is the seat, did continue handing out marriage licenses while most of the state went on strike, and did perform same-sex marriages once the US SC rejected the state’s bid. Don’t confuse the voice of those spearheading the anti same-sex movement to be that of the majority of those in OP and I’s age group.
There continues to be a significant liberal and LGBT population, and really shouldn’t be “lumped” in with the rest of the state’s stereotype - which I don’t hold to be true either, but doesn’t apply here.