Lgbtq friendly states in america

United States LGBT Equality Index

Equality Index Methodology

Equaldex's Equality Index is a rating from 0 to 100 (with 100 organism the most equal) to help visualize the legal rights and public attitudes towards LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual , queer, questioning, intersex...) people in each region. The Equality Index is an average of two indexes: the legal index and the public opinion Index.

Equality Index

Average of Legal Index and Public Opinion Index

Legal Index

The LGBT legal index measures the current legal status of 13 different issues ranging from the legal status of homosexuality, same-sex marriage, transgender rights, LGBT discrimination protections, LGBT censorship laws, and more. Each topic is weighted differently (for example, if same-sex marriage is illegal in a region, it would have a much bigger impact on the score than not allowing LGBT people to help in the military). Each topic is assigned a "total possible score" and a "score" is assigned based the status of the law using a rating scale that ranges from 0% to 100% (for example, if homosexuality is legal, it would would get a score of 100, but if it's illegal, it would receve a

State Equality Index 2024

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The Human Rights Campaign Express Equality Index (SEI) is a comprehensive state-by-state describe that provides a review of statewide laws and policies that affect Diverse people and their families.

The SEI rates all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. in six areas of law and assigns the states to one of four distinct categories.

Check your state's scorecard by texting SEI to 472472 from your mobile phone. (msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to quit, HELP for info.)

State Categories

In these states, advocates focus on raising support for basic LGBTQ+ equality, such as non-discrimination protections in employment, housing and public accommodations. These states are most likely to have religious refusal or other anti-LGBTQ+ laws. Advocates often further LGBTQ equality by focusing on municipal protections for LGBTQ+ people or conflicting negative legislation that targets the LGBTQ+ community.

States in this category include:

Ala

Snapshot: LGBTQ Equality by State

The Movement Advancement Proposal (MAP) tracks over 50 different LGBTQ-related laws and policies.  This map shows the overall policy tallies (as different from sexual orientation or gender individuality tallies) for each state, the District of Columbia, and the five populated U.S. territories. A state’s policy tally scores the laws and policies within each state that shape LGBTQ people's lives, experiences, and equality. The major categories of laws covered by the policy tally include: Relationship & Parental Recognition, Nondiscrimination, Religious Exemptions, LGBTQ Youth, Health Care, Criminal Justice, and Individuality Documents.  

Click on any state to view its detailed policy tally and state profile, or click "Choose an Issue" above to view maps on over 50 distinct LGBTQ-related laws and policies. 

  • High Overall Policy Tally (15 states + D.C.)

  • Medium Overall Policy Tally (5 states)

  • Fair Overall Policy Tally (3 states, 2 territories)

  • Low Overall Policy Tally (10 states, 3 territories)

  • Negative Overall Policy Tally (17 states)

    Best and worst states for LGBTQ folks? Divide worsens after 'Don't Say Gay,' report says

    Amid a wave of anti-LGBTQ legislation, the gap between states that are welcoming to the LGBTQ collective and those that are not is widening. The lack of progress may lead to a intellect drain as workers opt areas that are more tolerant, according to a new business climate ranking given exclusively to USA TODAY.  

    New York had the most equitable climate for the LGBTQ community while South Carolina ranked the lowest, according to the fourth annual State Gay Business Climate Index from the global LGBTQ business advisory Out Leadership.

    But while New York held the uppermost spot for the second consecutive year and South Carolina scored the worst for the third year in a row, the shifting scores of many states in between main attraction the nation's widening divisions around issues ranging from LGBTQ inclusion to reproductive rights, says Todd Sears, Out Leadership's founder and CEO.

    "The states that are getting worse for LGBT people are also getting worse for women and for people of color,'' Sears says. "Texas, Alabama, Mississippi, South Dakota, Tennessee, all of those are states where reproductive r

    What are the safest places for gay and gender non-conforming people? See where your state ranks

    As Oklahoman legislators push to restrict transgender rights and overturn the 2015 Supreme Court judgment legalizing gay marriage, Zane Eaves says his individuality as a transgender dude has put a objective on his back in his home state.

    One of 18,900 trans adults in Oklahoma, Eaves has received death threats, as has his wife of 10 years and their two children.

    “All the hatred and political stuff going on” are driving this Oklahoma lifer from the place he was born and raised, Eaves, 35, said. He has only crossed the state line three times in his experience, but in recent weeks, he made the complicated decision to move his family to North Carolina to be closer to friends and allies. 

    “I am just trying to reside alive and keep my marriage,” Eaves said.

    Oklahoma ranks 44th in the nation on a list released on June 2 of the most and least welcoming states for queer woman, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Americans.

    Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

    More and more, the question of where LGBTQ+ people touch safe is one of blue vs. red, according to advocacy group Out Leadership.

    More: Find coverage for Pri
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