I think you'd be surprised. I moved to Columbus in the early 2000s after college from another Indiana city. Perhaps I have blinders on, but I don't ever recall any casual racism or homophobia. If anything I'd say it's a more progressive city than many other small conservative midwestern towns. There is considerable diversity in the city, given that many of the engineers who live here have come from other countries. There was a recent presentation about the problems of "conversion therapy", and the presbyterian church a few weeks ago had a day of remembrance specifically for those who are transgender.

Not saying it's anything along the lines of Colorado, or the bay area, which I've frequented the past decade - but I think 2017 Columbus IN is vastly different than late 90s Columbus IN. The article really nails it.