Hi lovelies,
I'm Bel, the Mexico Correspondent and I can tell you I've spoken to quite a few black people living in Mexico and they all say the same thing. They feel welcome and safe. As for LGBTQ, well all I can say is welcome friends. My beautiful girls (downstairs neighbours) are getting married next year in Mexico City and we've had many conversations about being gay in Mexico. They say it's widely accepted for foreigners and most people don't care. I hope this helps you feel safer. I sincerely hope it does and if you'd like any other questions answered I'd love to have a chat. My email is - bwoodhouse@internationalliving.com
Ciao for now, Bel.

Could you be more specific? There are bilateral treaties regarding taxes, Social Security, and for some European countries, for extended stays for US, Canadian, and other citizens.

Dennis, take a good look at the northern half of Italy. From Florence or Bologna north to a line that goes through Venice and Milan to the west. If you go farther north most of the time you will love the climate but winters in the Dolomites and north of Lake Como, Lago de Garda, and Maaggiore can be cold and snowy.

Look carefully at the Provinces of Emilia-Romagna, Veneto, Lombardia, and Piemonte. Italy is so mountainous that some parts of any mountanous province can be a lot colder but I think those four provinces are a good starting place.

Jess's answer is a good one and considering that Italy taxes by "residency" or those who are there more than 183 days a year, her Idea of going back and forth may be excellent for you!
Chip Stites, Italy Correspondent, International Living Magazine.