Safest states for lgbt
The Movement Advancement Project (MAP) has created an interactive map to show which states in the U.S. are the safest for LGBTQ+ people to exist and work. MAP also tracked those with deteriorating levels of safety. Brand-new Jersey and New York were in the safest category, Delaware in the second safest, but Pennsylvania ranked in the third of five categories, as only fair, with 20 states plus Washington, D.C. ranking higher.
MAP, an independent, nonprofit think tank, is dedicated to “rigorous analyze, insight, and communications that help speed equality and opportunity for all.”
MAP has tracked LGBTQ+ laws and policies across the state and tracks over 50 different LGBTQ-related laws and policies. This new interactive map shows the overall policy tallies (as different from sexual orientation or gender identity tallies) for each state, Washington, D.C. and the five populated U.S. territories — Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
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
Our 7th annual Mention LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index shows which U.S. States are safe and which are unwelcoming for millions of Diverse Americans. It also shows a land growing more polarized on LGBTQ+ rights–and this divide is influencing where people choose to inhabit, work, and perform business.
For the third year in a row, the national average score declined, driven by the introduction of more than 550 anti-LGBTQ+ bills and a wave of newly-elected conservative officials pushing restrictive agendas.
States appreciate Ohio, Florida, and Utah saw steep drops in the rankings due to laws that aim LGBTQ+ youth, censor school discussions, and open the door to legalized discrimination.
Still, there are radiant spots worth celebrating! Massachusetts and Unused York continue to lead with the highest scores and strongest protections in place. States enjoy Kentucky and Michigan also made meaningful progress this year.
The message is clear: there are true consequences to both inclusion and exclusion. Companies operating in low-ranking states are losing talent and facing consumer pushback. Meanwhile, inclusive states are seeing their economies thrive, becoming magnets for innovatio
As Pride Month begins, a brand-new report highlights widening disparities in how LGBTQ+ Americans experience shelter and equality across the land. From access to health nurture and legal protections to the tone set by state direction, conditions vary drastically.
Out Leadership's 2025 State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index, now in its seventh year, ranks all 50 states on how welcoming they are to LGBTQ+ residents. The findings reach at a time of mounting legislative pressure, with hundreds of anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced in statehouses nationwide and public debates over flag bans and trans rights intensifying.
The annual index, compiled with input from the Williams Institute and the Movement Advancement Plan, serves as a reference for corporate leaders and policymakers.
The Context
Pride 2025 arrives amid a heightened political and legislative backlash against LGBTQ+ rights. Utah became the first state to explicitly disallow LGBTQ+ flags from government buildings and schools, Idaho and Montana following suit with restrictions.
The flag bans are part of a wider trend—at least 31 flag-related bills have been introduced across 17 states, many of which explicitly or implicitly proh
State Equality Index 2024
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The Human Rights Campaign State Equality Index (SEI) is a comprehensive state-by-state report that provides a review of statewide laws and policies that influence LGBTQ+ people and their families.
The SEI rates all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. in six areas of rule and assigns the states to one of four separate categories.
Check your state's scorecard by texting SEI to 472472 from your mobile phone. (msg & data rates may apply. Text End to quit, Assist for info.)
Declare Categories
In these states, advocates highlight on raising assist for basic Gay equality, such as non-discrimination protections in employment, housing and public accommodations. These states are most likely to include religious refusal or other anti-LGBTQ+ laws. Advocates often further LGBTQ equality by focusing on municipal protections for Gay people or conflicting negative legislation that targets the Queer community.
States in this category include:
Alabama
Arizona
Arkansas
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Indiana
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Mississippi
Missouri
Monta