Gay friendly states in usa
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 people and those that are not is widening. The lack of progress may lead to a mind drain as workers select 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 Diverse 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 peak 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
Snapshot: LGBTQ Equality by State
The Movement Advancement Venture (MAP) tracks over 50 different LGBTQ-related laws and policies. This map shows the overall policy tallies (as unique from sexual orientation or gender self 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 Self 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 alternative 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
Small towns are all about your neighbors, and when big hearts are open on Main Avenue, everyone benefits. We’re happy to share this listing of the best small towns for Homosexual folks in the U.S. because we know home is where we can be ourselves. In these small-scale burgs, gay-owned businesses abound—or maybe there’s just one, and that’s okay. Besides annual Pride celebrations, there are events around the rainbow community enjoy drag shows, book clubs, and history tours. And if you’re not lucky enough to dwell in one of these towns, gay travelers are welcomed with gay-friendly accommodations. Time to manual a visit!
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For gay and transgender people, these are the most (and least) welcoming states
Each year for the last six, gay advocacy organization Out Leadership has produced an index gauging the business climate for queer and transgender people express by state, mapping out where they can dwell and work with the least discrimination and hardship.
Last year as anti-LGBTQ+ bills swarmed statehouses across the country, the average score for all 50 states dropped for the first time.
Todd Sears, Out Leadership’s founder and CEO, says he was not surprised when the average score fell again in as Republicans sharpened attacks on gay and transgender rights heading into the presidential election.
“It was just affirmation of what we acquire already seen unfortunately,” Sears told USA TODAY.
New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts remained at the top of the Out Leadership index in while Arkansas received the lowest score since the index began.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.The average score across all 50 states was out of , compared to in and in
State business rankings slip becau