Check out the Frank Lloyd Wright houses, southwest PA and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perfect for photography.

(As for being gay, I'm bi and from a rural part of the state. You could hear homophobia, but there are spots to hang out, like a local coffee shop, etc. a lot of the just ignorant rednecks have casual homophobia but you could get through to them if they know you)

WV actually has the highest rate of trans youth in the country, a lot of queer folk in Appalachia who just don't get much attention or support, but you won't be alone