carry. I think both Texans and Californians had a well deserved rep for a better-than-others vibe (as a native Texan...guilty at some level).

IMO though it was more a subconscious preference vs overt. I didn't know anyone who wouldn't hang with or date someone for being from Utah.

Growing up in Utah = LDS is majority, release time seminary, 100's of missionaries in your graduating class, community familiarity with your faith even if they aren't LDS.

Growing up in lower LDS pop = LDS is minority, early morning seminary, handful of missionaries in your graduating class if any (myself + one other in mine), most in community are unfamiliar with your faith.

The actual time in church, activities, FHE, are largely similar either place.

The rest of the week the experience of being LDS in the community is markedly different.

Given that it's only natural for people to gravitate towards and connect a bit easier with people who share common elements of their background. Also it's more common for people from Utah to come to BYU with built in friends from high school vs more of a fresh start like me who came in without any friends going to BYU.

My closest friends at BYU were all outside of Utah, but I dated girls from Utah my freshman year b/c I was attracted to them. I ultimately married someone from SoCal who grew up in a similar religious minority situation and we related well on that identity piece.

TLDR: People bond over shared experiences and interests so I think there's some inevitability to preference for shared experience, but it can be overcome by new experiences together and other shared interests/hobbies/passions. No one cares where ppl are from in a pick up game of hoops!

I have no idea what the current dynamic is like though.