In its review of the United States’ record on civil and political rights, the United Nations Human Rights Committee (HRC) condemned a flood of discriminatory state legislation restricting the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people.
The United States ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) in 1992. Every four years, the HRC reviews laws and policies in countries that have ratified the treaty to evaluate where they are in compliance with the treaty and where they fall short. The review of the US was postponed during the Covid-19 pandemic, making this the first review of the US in nine years.
In advance of the review, released on November 3, the LGBT Rights Program at Human Rights Watch, the University of Miami School of Law Human Rights Clinic, and partner organizations submitted a report to the committee identifying how Florida and other US states have aggressively rolled back LGBT rights in recent years.
Among the worrying US laws are those restricting access to gender-affirming care and prohibiting transgender children from participating in school sports or using bathrooms consistent with their gender identity. Also concerning are laws banning books as well as prohibiting classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity, LGBT people, and their families in schools.
As our groups noted, these laws jeopardize a range of civil and political rights, including rights to nondiscrimination, expression, information, privacy, security of the person, life, and freedom from cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment.
In its concluding observations, the committee expressed concern about laws limiting transgender people’s access to healthcare, athletics, and public accommodations, and restricting discussions of race, slavery, sexual orientation, and gender identity in schools. It underscored the prevalence of discrimination against LGBT people in the US, including in housing, employment, correctional facilities, and other domains. The committee also condemned derogatory speech aimed at LGBT people, including from public officials, and violence against LGBT people and members of other minority groups.
The Committee’s findings should be a wake-up call for state and federal lawmakers in the United States. Amid an aggressive backlash, state lawmakers should stop actively undermining US human rights obligations and repeal discriminatory laws, and the federal government should both enact comprehensive legislation to safeguard LGBT people’s rights and enforce existing civil and human rights guarantees.
Russian prosecutors have requested a sentence of eight years in a penal colony for a lesbian artist who criticized the country’s military actions in Ukraine in a supermarket protest last year, according to the Russian language Mediazona.
Alexandra Skochilenko, 33, has been charged with spreading knowingly false information about the use of the armed forces and the government’s use of its authority, a crime punishable by up to 10 years in a penal colony.
On March 31, 2022, Skochilenko, also known as Sasha, switched out the price tags at a Perekrestok supermarket with stickers that looked like price tags but contained a series of anti-war messages.
In a series of five tags available on a Save Sasha website, Skochilenko accused the armed forces of committing genocide, called Putin a liar, and described Russia as a fascist state.
“My great-grandfather did not take part in the Great Patriotic War (World War Two) for four years in order for Russia to become a fascist state and attack Ukraine,” read one of the stickers.
Another sticker asked why state media was not covering the civilian death toll in Ukraine.
A witness alerted authorities and Skochilenko was arrested on April 11, 2022. She has been held in custody since her arrest despite suffering from bipolar disorder and other serious physical conditions.
Skochilenko has been specifically charged by prosecutors with knowingly spreading false information because of alleged political and ideological hatred. Prosecutors presented expert witnesses who declared there was no fascism in Russia and that the government was truthful and just in its statements and actions regarding the armed forces and Ukraine.
“Skochilenko compares the Russian Federation with a fascist state, they [prosecution expert witnesses] explained that in the Russian Federation now there are no elements of a fascist state,” prosecutor Alexander Gladyshev declared in court. “The words that Russia attacked Ukraine are false; the purpose of the SVO [special military operation] was to protect the citizens of Donbas from aggression.”
For her part, Skochilenko disputed that she was motivated but hatred or political ideology.
“I just wanted to stop the war – that was my motivation. Not hatred, but compassion,” she told the court on November 3, according to the Russian language Mediazona. “I am sure that every person in this room does not want there to be a war. Even you, your honor, even you, the state prosecutor. You also don’t want people to die prematurely, for young soldiers to lie in the fields, for civilians to die. You, like any person, want peace, prosperity, love.”
The court also heard that in addition to suffering from bipolar disorder, Skochilenko also has a cyst in the right ovary, heart disease, PTSD, and celiac disease.
In the 13 months that Cheryl King has presented this sexy vaudeville show at this hot new downtown venue, the audience has tripled, and the company of performers has grown to nearly three dozen.
This savvy producer, who moved to Sonoma County in 2018, originally created the show for her own theater in NYC, Stage Left Studio. It ran monthly for eight years in the unique Midtown Manhattan space, and was lauded by the Village Voice as “NY’s Sexiest Theater.” Now the show is delighting audiences from Marin, Sonoma and Napa County and has been praised in the Sonoma County Gazette as “an evening of free-spirited sex-positive fun for the ones we love – and for ourselves!” Cheryl has recently started building each show around a central theme – and inviting the audience to come in costume. Many of the shows feature audience participation routines, with contests and prizes donated by Secrets Boutique on Santa Rosa Avenue.
Cheryl’s company of performers includes burlesque dancers Velvet Thorn, Jonni Machado, Indiana Bones, Natasha Nightmare, and The Phoenix Dancers. Singers Jake Turner, Karenna Slade, Brandy Noveh, and Alia Beeton have presented original songs and show tunes. Of late the show has also featured table-to-table magic from Vixen, the Forbidden Magician, who also performs hoop and acro dance routines, and onstage magic acts as well. And a crowning glory of the series are comedy sketches written by Cheryl, which she performs with brilliant actor/comics including Martin Gilbertson, Alia Beeton, Shannon DeJong, Noah Sternhill, and Dwayne Stincelli. There are also improvised sketches with Alia and Shannon, which are greeted by the audience with hoots of laughter and wild applause.
Cheryl’’s brought in friends from Los Angeles to perform in the show, including National Monologue Slam winner Katie Northlich, and Strong Words performer and producer Marlene Nichols.
The audience has recently started exceeding 100 on Wednesday evenings so the show is moving to weekends where it is expected to draw an even larger audience..
The Saturday, Dec 16 holiday show, entitled Bad Santa Party, will feature guest star Dwayne Stincelli as Bad Santa. The line-up includes new comedy routines from Cheryl, including a special holiday Dubbers sketch. Serena Elize and Blue return to the show with new routines performed with Sam Minnifield, Lexus Fletcher and Lauren DePass. The show also features crowd pleasers Natasha Nightmare, dancer/magician Vixen and the debut of magic/belly dancing duo Ray Hoey and Treja! Tickets $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Adult-oriented material. Audience members are invited to stick around for two hours of great dancing music from DJ Vino and DJ Bootysattva, as we celebrate Serena Elize’s birthday! For more information about Forbidden Kiss LIVE, visit https://www.caltheatre.com/forbidden- kiss-live.
Sherman High School in Texas is not OK with a transgender boy playing the male lead in Oklahoma!
Max Hightower, a senior, was cast in the role about two weeks ago, TV station KXII reports. The station doesn’t name the character, but the lead male role in the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical is Curly, a cowboy who’s been played by stars including Alfred Drake, Gordon MacRae, and Hugh Jackman.
A few days later, however, Hightower was called in to the principal’s office and told he couldn’t play the role. He said the principal told him that for this production, “actors and actresses could only play a role that was the same gender they were assigned at birth.” The school’s website identifies the principal as Scott Johnston.
Hightower, who was elated when he was cast, said he was “devastated” when the role was taken away from him, according to KXII. He has played female characters in previous shows, but the staffers who run the theater productions had no problem with appearing as male, he and his father said.
“All kinds of actors have played all kinds of parts,” Hightower said. “I mean, I grew up watching Mrs. Doubtfire.”
He is determined to be reinstated, he said. “I want every kid to be recognized and noticed and allowed to be themselves,” he told the station.
“I expected him to be crying, but no, Max is a fighter,” said his father, Philip Hightower.
The Sherman Independent School District released a statement saying, “There is no policy on how students are assigned to roles. As it relates to this particular production, the sex of the role as identified in the script will be used when casting. Because the nature and subject matter of productions vary, the District is not inclined to apply this criteria to all future productions.”
The statement also said the production is under review and would be postponed.
“It was brought to the District’s attention that the current production contained mature adult themes, profane language, and sexual content,” the statement noted. “Unfortunately, all aspects of the production need to be reviewed, including content, stage production/props, and casting to ensure that the production is appropriate for the high school stage.”
For the record, Oklahoma! is considered a classic of American musical theater. It was first produced on Broadway in 1943 and has been revived several times, most recently in 2019, and made into a film. It has received countless awards and is a staple of school theater departments and community theater troupes.
The Sherman High School production was originally scheduled for December 8-10. The new dates will likely be sometime after January 15, the statement said.
New Jersey has elected its first woman state legislator from the LGBTQ+ community.
Luanne Peterpaul, a lesbian, won election Tuesday to the state Assembly from the 11th District, located in the central part of the state. She and fellow Democrat Margie Donlon unseated two Republican incumbents, Marilyn Piperno and Kim Eulner, who had won by narrow margins in 2021. In New Jersey, each district has two Assembly members and one senator; 11th District Sen. Vin Gopal, a Democrat, won reelection Tuesday.
New Jersey has had gay male state legislators before, including Republican Don Guardian, who was reelected to the Assembly from the Second District Tuesday, but never a woman from the LGBTQ+ population.
Peterpaul is a former Monmouth County prosecutor and has been a municipal judge in the cities of Long Branch and Asbury Park. She has been board chair for Garden State Equality, and in that post she was instrumental in creating the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights, which passed with bipartisan support in the state legislature. She was co-counsel defending challenges to the New Jersey law prohibiting conversion therapy for minors and played a significant role in bringing marriage equality to the state.
“I am beyond humbled to have earned the support of Monmouth County residents and am excited to get to work for them every day in the legislature,” Peterpaul said in a press release. “I am also humbled to be making history as the first openly gay woman elected to the New Jersey legislature. I stand on the shoulders of countless trailblazers who fought for equality and opened the door for people like me to serve my community in elected office. Thank you to everyone who showed up for our campaign this year. We truly could not have done this without the amazing community we built. I want to especially thank my wife, Robin, my incredible partner of 40 years, for joining me on this incredible journey. I might be the first, but I will certainly not be the last!”
Peterpaul was endorsed by LPAC, whose executive director, Lisa Turner, released this statement: “We are overjoyed to congratulate Luanne Peterpaul on her barrier-breaking victory tonight. Until today, New Jersey was one of six states that had never elected an LGBTQ woman to its state legislature. Luanne has been a tireless advocate for the LGBTQ community throughout her career and we can’t wait to see the positive impact she will have for our community and for District 11 constituents in the Assembly.”
She also was endorsed by the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, which noted that Tuesday saw a rainbow wave, with more out candidates elected than in any previous odd-numbered election year. More than 200 have won their elections in 2023, including 148 Tuesday, surpassing 2021’s record of 184.
“Bigoted politicians attempted to use LGBTQ+ people as a political weapon, but voters rejected those cynical tactics,” said a statement from Victory Fund President and CEO Annise Parker. “Anti-LGBTQ attacks failed across the nation, particularly in Virginia. Tonight, we elected a historic number of LGBTQ+ candidates who are ready to serve their communities. Tonight’s rainbow wave is a testament to the perseverance of LGBTQ+ political power and a bellwether for the 2024 election cycle. Equality wins elections — not culture war scare tactics.”
A nonbinary teacher in Florida was fired for using the gender-neutral title “Mx.” Now they’ve filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that could challenge the state’s “Don’t Say Gay” law.
According to WMNF, AV Vary recently came out as nonbinary and began using the title Mx. They say they informed the principal at Florida Virtual School (FLVS), a statewide online public school where they taught physics, of the change. “I let him know that I was doing it. And he didn’t say anything at first, and then about a month later he told me he needed me to change it,” Vary said.
On September 15, Vary received a written directive from the school letting them know that Ms., Mrs., or Miss were the only acceptable titles for them to use at work, the Orlando Sentinel reports. In late October, they were fired for refusing to use a title that did not align with their gender identity.
While FLVS spokesperson Laura Neff-Henderson would not comment on the reason for Vary’s termination, she told the Sentinel, “As a Florida public school, FLVS is obligated to follow Florida laws and regulations pertaining to public education.”
Earlier this year, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signed into law an expansion of the state’s infamous Parental Rights in Education Act, commonly known to critics as the “Don’t Say Gay” law. H.B. 1069 includes restrictions on the pronouns and titles both students and public school employees can use.
But Vary notes an inconvenient wrinkle in the law. They told WMNF that they discussed using other gender-neutral titles with FLVS. “I was told that professor was not okay, Dr. was not okay for me because I didn’t have a Ph.D., but there are lots of people at FLVS who do use Dr., which, coincidentally, is also in violation of the same law I got disciplined for,” they said.
H.B. 1069 states that “an employee or contractor of a public K-12 educational institution may not provide to a student his or her preferred personal title or pronouns if such preferred personal title or pronouns do not correspond to his or her sex.” But the law does not address gender-neutral professional titles like Dr., which is used by people of all genders.
Vary has filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and hopes to challenge the Florida law. “I can fight this fight. I can be unemployed for a little while,” they told the Sentinel, citing their husband’s income. “I feel very strongly in standing up for those who can’t stand up for themselves.”
Florida state Rep. Anna Eskamani (D) said that Vary’s situation is exactly the kind of thing opponents of “Don’t Say Gay” feared when the law was passed. She also noted that “it’s pretty ridiculous to terminate teachers over something like this” during the state’s ongoing teacher shortage.
In September, Florida Education Association President Andrew Spar told Fox 13that there were more than 7,000 teacher and support staff vacancies across the state. He said that the Parental Rights in Education and Stop WOKE Acts have contributed to the crisis.
Mexican authorities on Tuesday sent conflicting messages about the violent death of a leading LGBTQ figure after thousands marched Monday night demanding justice.
Jesús Ociel Baena was found dead next to their partner in their home in the central Mexican city of Aguascalientes on Monday, according to state prosecutors. Baena, the first openly nonbinary person to assume a judicial post in Mexico, was one of the most visible LGBTQ figures in a country where the community is often violently targeted.
Baena and their partner had already received death threats and hateful messages and had protection from state security, prompting many across the country Monday to call their death a hate crime.
Authorities have provided minimal details about the slaying and local prosecutors hinted it may have been a murder-suicide.
“It may seem like a not very credible hypothesis to many, but we’re being very careful to leave a record and preserve all evidence,” said state prosecutor Jesús Figueroa Ortega.
Federal authorities, however, urged caution in the investigation Tuesday. Félix Arturo Medina, an official with Mexico’s Interior Ministry, said “it’s important to not throw out any line of investigation,” adding that they hoped to coordinate with state authorities to investigate the deaths.
“It’s a relevant case for us, not just because of the activism the magistrate was carrying out,” but also because the government wants all crimes to be investigated, Medina said.
Impunity runs rampant in Mexico. Only 1% of all crimes committed were reported, investigated and resolved in 2022, according to a survey by National Institute of Statistics and Geography.
The state authorities’ hypothesis was quickly rejected by many in Mexico’s LGBTQ community.
Alejandro Brito, director of the LGBTQ rights group Letra S urged authorities to continue to investigate the incident and to take into consideration the context of the case, and threats of violence against Baena.
Brito called state prosecutor’s version of events “loaded with prejudices” and said quick conclusions made by local authorities have only deepened distrust of authorities among historically victimized communities.
“In these types of homicides they always try to disqualify or belittle,” Brito said. “These statements that the prosecutor is giving, what they’re doing isn’t clarifying the acts, they’re adding fuel to the fire of these prejudices.”
People who knew Baena said the magistrate and Herrera in recent weeks were chipper and talked passionately about future activism.
Brito was echoed by thousands who gathered in the heart of Mexico City lighting candles over photos of Baena and other victims of anti-LGBTQ violence Monday night. They shouted “Justice” and “We won’t stay silent” and demanded a thorough investigation into the deaths.
“Ociel is, and was, the most relevant figure in today’s fight for human rights for the LGBTQ+ community,” said Humberto Dena, a 24-year-old carrying a candle alongside thousands of others in the march. “We want [the authorities] to continue to investigate this case, and not just say it was a ‘crime of passion.’”
In becoming a magistrate in October 2022, Baena was thought to be the first nonbinary person in Latin America to assume a judicial position. Baena broke through another barrier this May as one of a group of people to be issued Mexico’s first passports listing the holders as nonbinary.
Baena appeared in regularly published photos and videos wearing skirts and heels and toting a rainbow fan in court offices and advocated on social media platforms, drawing hundreds of thousands of followers.
“I am a nonbinary person. I am not interested in being seen as either a woman or a man. This is an identity. It is mine, for me, and nobody else. Baena posted on X, formerly Twitter, in June. “Accept it.”
Last month, the electoral court presented Baena with a certificate recognizing the magistrate with the gender neutral noun “maestre,” a significant step in Spanish, a language that splits most of its words between two genders, masculine or feminine.
While Mexico has made significant steps in reducing anti-LGBTQ violence, Brito’s Letra S documented a jump in violence against sexual minorities in 2019. In that year alone, at least 117 lesbian, gay and bisexual and transgender people were slain. Many were grisly killings, including brutal stabbings and public slayings.
The National Observatory of Hate Crimes Against LGBTI+ Persons in Mexico registered 305 violent hate crimes against sexual minorities in 2019-2022, including murder, disappearances and more.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.
Policies pertaining to LGBTQ+ Americans and their rights have dominated headlines over the past year. Recently passed anti-LGBTQ legislation has underscored the urgent need to examine the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in America as many LGBTQ Americans announce they’re on the move to more accepting cities, states, and even countries.
The Human Rights Campaign declared a “state of emergency” for LGBTQ Americans and issued a national warning and guidebook, which highlights the ongoing struggles this community faces. We found in prior research that 38% of Americans still oppose same-sex marriage, a sobering reminder that the fight for equality is far from over.
Amid these challenges, we find glimmers of hope and resilience in various corners of the U.S. Pittsburgh’s city council passed bills aimed at protecting the LGBT community, while Kansas City proudly declared itself an LGBTQ sanctuary city. Notably, New York City hosts one of the world’s largest pride celebrations, attracting a staggering 2 million attendees and showcasing the vibrant and resilient spirit of its LGBTQ community.
Our study not only balances the fun aspects of the LGBTQ community but also the political realities necessary for LGBTQ Americans to thrive when they are moving across state lines for better futures amid rising costs of living.
To identify which cities are the most LGBTQ-friendly, our weighted rankings evaluated the following criteria:
7x: Percent of state population that is LGBTQ
7x: Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) chapters per 100,000 residents
6x: Designated LGBTQ-affirming health care providers per capita
6x: Number of anti-trans legislation passed at the state level
6x: Pride events per 100,000 residents
5x: National LGBT Chamber of Commerce chapters
5x: Percentage of residents opposing to anti-discrimination laws
5x: Gay bars per 100,000 residents
3x: Percentage of residents opposing same-sex marriage
3x: Municipal equality score
3x: State equality tally score
3x: Inclusive curricular standards
2x: Parental opt-out laws
2x: “Don’t Say Gay” laws
Find out how the 50 most-populous metros in the U.S. stack up against each other in terms of LGBTQ-friendliness.
Most LGBTQ-Friendly Cities Stats 🏳️🌈
San Francisco is America’s most LGBTQ-friendly city, while Memphis is the least friendly. Jump to section👇
California has the highest state equality tally score (100), while Tennessee has the lowest (-11.5).👇
Fifteen of the 50 most-populous metros in the U.S. are located in states with “Don’t Say Gay” laws.👇
New Orleans has the most pride celebrations per capita (0.32), while Houston has the fewest (0.01).👇
New Orleans has the most gay bars per 100,000 residents (1.43), while Riverside, California, has the fewest (0.06).👇
Raleigh, North Carolina, has the highest number of LGBTQ-affirming health care providers per capita (5.73), while Buffalo, New York, has the lowest at just 0.09 providers per capita.👇
Providence, Rhode Island, and Nashville, Tennessee, residents are the most supportive of anti-discrimination laws. Just 9% of residents oppose them. Kansas City, Missouri, and Birmingham, Alabama, have the highest opposition rate at 33%.👇
The 50 Most LGBTQ-Friendly Cities, Ranked
Rank
Metro
State LGBTQ Population (%)
Gay Bars per Capita
Pride Events per Capita
Municipal Equality Score*
State Equality Tally Score**
State LGBTQ+ Inclusive Curricular Standards
State Parental Opt-Out Laws
State “Don’t Say Gay” Laws
PFLAG Chapters per Capita***
NGLCC Chapters****
LGBTQ Affirming Health Care Providers per Capita*****
State Anti-Trans Legislation Passed
% of Residents Opposing Non-Discrimination Laws
% of Residents Opposing Same-Sex Marriage
–
Study Average
5.1
0.3
0.07
95
16.7
N
N
N
0.08
0.9
1.4
1.7
19%
27%
1
San Francisco, CA
6
0.63
0.09
100
43
Y
N
N
0.13
2
1.73
0
12%
21%
2
Hartford, CT
5
0.08
0.08
100
39
Y
N
N
0.25
1
1.65
0
22%
11%
3
Las Vegas, NV
6
0.57
0.22
100
40.5
Y
N
N
0.04
1
0.39
0
12%
19%
4
Portland, OR
8
0.36
0.04
100
38.5
Y
N
N
0.04
1
3.07
0
20%
17%
5
Denver, CO
6
0.61
0.03
100
42.5
Y
N
N
0.07
1
1.75
0
17%
15%
6
Los Angeles, CA
6
0.11
0.07
100
43
Y
N
N
0.07
2
0.58
0
15%
25%
7
San Diego, CA
6
0.37
0.12
100
43
Y
N
N
0.03
1
1
0
14%
18%
8
Sacramento, CA
6
0.29
0.04
100
43
Y
N
N
0.08
1
0.79
0
17%
26%
9
Chicago, IL
5
0.22
0.05
100
37.5
Y
N
N
0.11
1
0.79
0
15%
25%
10
New Orleans, LA
5
1.43
0.32
100
-4.5
N
N
Y
0.08
1
1.82
1
11%
31%
11
San Jose, CA
6
0.26
0.05
97
43
Y
N
N
0.05
0
1.23
0
17%
13%
12
Richmond, VA
5
0.3
0.08
100
25.5
N
N
N
0.15
1
1.29
0
21%
20%
13
Pittsburgh, PA
4
0.25
0.08
100
16.5
N
N
N
0.08
1
2.72
0
14%
18%
14
Baltimore, MD
5
0.18
0.04
100
31.5
N
N
N
0.14
1
1.76
0
19%
27%
15
Milwaukee, WI
6
0.45
0.06
100
18.5
N
N
N
0.13
1
0.83
0
20%
24%
16
Minneapolis, MN
4
0.22
0.03
100
36
N
N
N
0.03
1
2.06
0
10%
17%
17
Boston, MA
6
0.12
0.02
100
36
N
N
N
0.02
1
1.49
0
15%
16%
18
Seattle, WA
5
0.47
0.05
100
38.25
N
N
N
0.02
1
2.02
0
18%
23%
19
Cleveland, OH
5
0.34
0.1
100
10.75
N
N
N
0.05
1
1.78
0
16%
27%
20
New York, NY
5
0.37
0.04
100
40.5
N
N
N
0.05
1
0.49
0
16%
28%
21
Providence, RI
6
0.36
0.06
100
33
N
N
N
0.06
0
1.07
0
9%
32%
22
Philadelphia, PA
4
0.14
0.02
100
16.5
N
N
N
0.14
1
1.3
0
20%
23%
23
Riverside, CA
6
0.06
0.02
100
43
Y
N
N
0
0
0.15
0
17%
19%
24
Washington, DC
5
0.25
0.05
100
38.5
N
N
N
0.05
1
0.38
0
18%
25%
25
Indianapolis, IN
5
0.14
0.05
80
0
N
N
Y
0.14
1
3.76
3
16%
25%
26
Columbus, OH
5
0.51
0.05
100
10.75
N
N
N
0.05
1
2.14
0
18%
35%
27
Louisville, KY
3
0.23
0.08
100
5.25
N
N
Y
0.08
1
5.68
2
15%
38%
28
Detroit, MI
4
0.18
0.02
100
22
N
N
N
0.09
1
0.78
0
22%
24%
29
Charlotte, NC
5
0.19
0.04
86
7.25
N
N
Y
0.15
2
1.37
3
21%
30%
30
Salt Lake City, UT
6
0.32
0.08
100
9.25
N
N
N
0.08
1
1.98
4
17%
38%
31
Austin, TX
5
0.26
0.13
100
-1
N
N
Y
0.09
1
2.21
4
16%
23%
32
Atlanta, GA
4
0.21
0.02
100
-0.5
N
N
N
0.13
1
1.2
1
14%
34%
33
Cincinnati, OH
5
0.27
0.04
100
10.75
N
N
N
0.09
0
1.5
0
19%
24%
34
Raleigh, NC
5
0.07
0.07
85
7.25
N
N
Y
0.07
1
5.73
3
16%
45%
35
Virginia Beach, VA
5
0.17
0.06
100
25.5
N
N
N
0.06
0
0.22
0
21%
20%
36
Phoenix, AZ
6
0.26
0.02
100
6
N
Y
N
0
1
0.44
0
18%
27%
37
Buffalo, NY
5
0.34
0.09
94
40.5
N
N
N
0.09
0
0.09
0
26%
46%
38
Nashville, TN
3
0.35
0.05
77
-11.5
N
Y
N
0.2
1
0.94
10
9%
15%
39
San Antonio, TX
5
0.38
0.04
100
-1
N
N
Y
0.08
1
0.92
4
24%
16%
40
Orlando, FL
5
0.22
0.15
100
-0.75
N
Y
Y
0.04
1
1.23
5
18%
16%
41
Kansas City, MO
5
0.27
0.05
100
-0.25
N
N
N
0.05
2
0.95
3
33%
35%
42
St. Louis, MO
5
0.21
0.04
100
-0.25
N
N
N
0.07
0
0.89
3
20%
25%
43
Tampa, FL
5
0.28
0.03
100
-0.75
N
Y
Y
0.12
1
1.09
5
16%
26%
44
Oklahoma City, OK
4
0.42
0.07
78
-5.75
N
N
Y
0.14
0
1.04
3
18%
30%
45
Dallas, TX
5
0.24
0.04
100
-1
N
N
Y
0.04
1
0.57
4
22%
22%
46
Miami, FL
5
0.08
0.1
89
-0.75
N
Y
Y
0.03
2
0.72
5
17%
32%
47
Birmingham, AL
5
0.18
0.09
100
-9.5
N
N
Y
0.18
0
0.9
2
33%
35%
48
Jacksonville, FL
5
0.12
0.06
79
-0.75
N
Y
Y
0.06
0
0.61
5
14%
11%
49
Houston, TX
5
0.22
0.01
73
-1
N
N
Y
0.03
1
0.37
4
20%
29%
50
Memphis, TN
3
0.22
0.07
54
-11.5
N
Y
N
0
1
0.37
10
14%
36%
*100-point scale **43.5-point tally scale ***Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays chapters ****National LGBT Chamber of Commerce chapters *****Within a 25-mile radius
The 15 Most LGBTQ-Friendly Cities
With five cities in the top 15 — including San Francisco, our No. 1 LGBTQ-friendly city — California is the most LGBTQ-friendly state. In terms of its policies, it has a near-perfect equality tally score of 43 out of 43.5, which is attractive to LGBTQ Americans looking to move to more inclusive states.
In addition to laws passed by their state congresses, the top 15 cities have enacted municipal laws that protect their residents. The top 15 cities have an average city municipal equality score of 99 out of 100.
Only one city in the top 15 is located in a state that has passed anti-trans legislation. Louisiana may have restrictive laws, but New Orleans stands out from other cities in the South.
The top 15 cities, of course, have a high number of gay bars per capita: 0.4 per 100,000 residents on average — compared to 0.22 in the bottom 10 cities.
Despite hosting the world’s largest Pride celebration, New York City didn’t make the top 15 — coming in at No. 20 instead. New York City has a particularly low number of PFLAG chapters, with just 0.05 per 100,000 residents — 38% fewer than the average metro (0.08).
It also has just 0.49 LGBT-affirming health care providers per 100,000, which is 65% fewer than the average metro in our study (1.4). There are also no inclusive curricular standards in the state of New York.
1. San Francisco, CA
🌈 Rainbow Families San Francisco need not prove why it’s the No. 1 most LGBTQ-friendly city, as it’s already a popular destination for LGBTQ tourists. LGBTQ locals are also in luck: The Bay Area has 0.13 PFLAG chapters per 100,000 residents, 63% more than the average metro in our study (0.08).
San Francisco got a big boost for being located in a state with such inclusive policies for LGBTQ Americans. However, it boasts some impressive stats on its own.
With a remarkable 0.63 gay bars per 100,000 residents, it soars 110% above the average city in our study, making it a vibrant hotspot for LGBTQ+ nightlife and culture. But it’s not just about the party scene. San Franciscans are more inclusive than average, with only 12% opposing non-discrimination laws for LGBTQ Americans — 37% lower than the national average of 19%.
At 6% of its total population, San Francisco’s LGBTQ community slightly surpasses the national proportion of 5.1%, solidifying its status as a welcoming and diverse haven.
2. Hartford, CT
🏛️ Representin’ Hartford is the only Connecticut city in the 50 most-populous metros in the U.S. As such, it gets to represent its state in our study, and its residents should be proud! Connecticut’s state equality tally score is 39 — 134% higher than the average state’s tally score of 16.7.
Hartford is the third-smallest metro in the study, so it has just 0.08 gay bars per 100,000 residents, which is tied with Miami for the third-lowest number. That’s 73% fewer gay bars than the average city in our study (0.3).
However, it makes up for this by having a more inclusive and supportive community than other cities. The Hartford metro area has 0.25 PFLAG chapters per 100,000 resident – 213% more than the average metro in our study (0.08). Additionally, just 11% of Hartford residents oppose same-sex marriage, the lowest percentage in the study. That’s 59% fewer than the national response of 27%.
3. Las Vegas, NV
🎰 Pride Jackpot As a city known for its nightlife and party scene, it may come as no surprise that Pride Month in Las Vegas is exceptional. The Las Vegas metro area has 0.22 pride events per 100,000 residents annually — 214% more than the average metro in our study (0.07).
Las Vegas doesn’t just dazzle on the famous Strip. It shines as an oasis of LGBTQ inclusivity. Just 19% of its residents oppose same-sex marriage. That’s 30% fewer than the average city in our study (27%).
Keeping with its image, Las Vegas also boasts 0.57 gay bars per 100,000 residents — 90% more than the average city in our study (0.3). Las Vegas is home to the popular Hamburger Mary’s and The Phoenix Bar & Lounge, both staples of the LGBTQ community.
With a state equality tally score of 40.5, Nevada as a whole scores an impressive 143% above the average state’s tally score of 16.7.
4. Portland, OR
🧑🤝🧑 In Good Company Boosting Portland’s rank is its location in Oregon, the state with the largest percentage of LGBTQ residents. Oregon’s LGBTQ population of 8% is 57% more than the national proportion of 5.1%.
When it comes to LGBTQ inclusivity, Portland isn’t just leading the way, it’s also setting the pace. With an impressive 3.07 LGBTQ-affirming health care providers per 100,000 residents, it rises 119% above the average metro in our study (1.4), ensuring the community’s health care needs are met with care and compassion.
Oregon’s commitment to equality is also undeniable, with a state equality tally score of 38.5, an astonishing 131% higher than the average state’s score of 16.7. Portland also benefits from having a thriving LGBTQ community. With 0.36 gay bars per 100,000 residents, Portland is home to 20% more than the average city in our study (0.3).
5. Denver, CO
🤲 Sound State Cementing Colorado’s reputation as a progressive state and Denver’s allure to the LGBTQ community, Colorado’s state equality tally score is 42.5 — 154% higher than the average state’s tally score of 16.7
In Denver, diversity thrives. With a stunning 0.61 gay bars per 100,000 residents, it stands 103% above the average city in our study (0.3). This city doesn’t just embrace love, it also champions it, with only 15% opposing same-sex marriage, a substantial 44% lower than the national average (27%).
Moreover, Denver ensures access to compassionate health care, boasting an estimated 1.75 LGBTQ-affirming health care providers per 100,000 residents, a solid 25% more than the average metro in our study (1.4).
6. Los Angeles, CA
🎬 Lights, Camera, Action Like San Francisco, Los Angeles is another Californian city known for its LGBTQ community. It’s the filming location of community staples such as RuPaul’s Drag Race and Dragula. It is also known for the iconic neighborhoods of West Hollywood and Silver Lake, which are home to several notable gay bars.
The number of annual pride events in Los Angeles is tied with the national average at 0.07 per 100,000 residents. The L.A. Pride Festival & Parade is one of the most well-attended pride events in the country, with an estimated 146,000attending last year.
Los Angeles is also slightly more tolerant than other U.S. cities. Just 15% oppose non-discrimination laws, a noteworthy 21% less than the national average of 19%. Moreover, when it comes to same-sex marriage, the city stands out with only 25% opposing, a commendable 7% below the national average of 27%.
7. San Diego, CA
💃 Time to Party In “America’s Finest City,” the pride truly shines through, boasting an impressive 0.12 pride events per 100,000 residents annually, a spirited 71% above the average in our study.
San Diego has long been a popular LGBTQ destination, dating to the 1950s when venues like Bradley’s and Blue Jacket attracted travelers from all over the country. These days, the iconic Gossip Grill – a bustling lesbian-centered bar and grill – is a community standout that is a hot spot for LGBTQ tourists and locals alike.
Given its illustrious LGBTQ history, it’s no surprise that people in San Diego are more progressive when it comes to LGBTQ topics. Just 14% of San Diego residents oppose non-discrimination laws, which is 26% lower than the national response of 19%. Furthermore, only 18% are in opposition to same-sex marriage, a significant 33% less than the overall national response of 27%.
8. Sacramento, CA
🏆 10s Across the Board Sacramento is yet another California city with a commitment to protecting the rights of LGBTQ residents. It has a perfect municipal equality score of 100.
In Sacramento, just 17% of residents oppose non-discrimination laws — 11% below the national average of 19%. Additionally, only 26% oppose same-sex marriage, a heartening 4% lower than the national average of 27%.
But Sacramento doesn’t stop there — it’s a city that actively fosters LGBTQ+ inclusivity. It boasts a National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and the Sacramento LGBT Community Center, demonstrating its dedication to providing resources and opportunities for the LGBTQ+ community to thrive.
9. Chicago, IL
📜 Legislating by Example When it comes to state policies concerning LGBTQ+ rights, Illinois stands out with an impressive state equality tally score of 37.5, surpassing the average state’s tally score of 16.7 by a remarkable 125%.
Chicago has a reputation for being a progressive city in the Midwest, and the stats support that view. Chicago is home to 0.11 PFLAG chapters per 100,000 residents – 38% above the average metro in the study (0.08).
Chicagoans also seem to be a bit more tolerant than Americans in other cities. Only 15% of its residents oppose non-discrimination laws, a remarkable 21% lower than the national average of 19%. Moreover, just 25% oppose same-sex marriage, a modest 7% lower than the national response of 27%.
10. New Orleans, LA
🎭 A Southern Standout Despite being in a state with a low equality tally score (-4.5), New Orleans’ LGBTQ community continues to thrive. New Orleans is home to 1.43 gay bars per 100,000 residents — the highest in the study! That’s 5x more than the average city (0.3).
With 0.32 pride events per 100,000 residents annually, New Orleans has 357% more pride events than the average metro in our study (0.07). It proudly claims the title of most pride events per capita, proving that in NOLA, celebration knows no bounds.
But New Orleans doesn’t just stop at parades and parties. It is home to 1.82 LGBTQ-affirming health care providers per 100,000, which is 30% more than the national average (1.4).
When it comes to inclusivity, NOLA is an example in the South. Just 11% of its residents oppose non-discrimination laws — 42% lower than the national average of 19%.
11. San Jose, CA
💫 Well-Rounded Compared to other California cities, San Jose ranks the lowest, only above Riverside. However, given that California is one of the highest-ranked states in terms of equality, San Jose still proves to be an LGBTQ-friendly city.
In the heart of Silicon Valley, San Jose charts its unique course when it comes to LGBTQ+ inclusivity. Although it has 12% fewer LGBTQ-affirming health care providers per 100,000 residents than the average metro area (1.4), it’s buoyed by its location in a progressive state and a near-perfect municipal equality score of 97 out of 100.
Its residents are also more tolerant than those in other cities. With just 17% opposing non-discrimination laws, it stands 11% below the national average of 19%. Moreover, in the realm of love and marriage, San Jose is a leading city with only 13% opposing same-sex marriage, a remarkable 52% lower than the national average of 27%.
12. Richmond, VA
🤝 Rich in Friends Richmond not only boasts a perfect municipal equality score of 100, it’s also home to 0.15 PFLAG chapters per 100,000 residents — 88% more than the national average — making it another standout LGBTQ city in the South.
Although Virginia could improve its policies pertaining to LGBTQ rights, its state equality score of 25.5 is still 53% higher than the average state’s score of 16.7.
Richmond, specifically, is slightly more tolerant than other cities in the country. Just 20% of Richmond residents oppose same-sex marriage — compared to 27% nationally.
When it’s time to celebrate, Richmond knows how to do it right with a spirited 0.08 pride events per 100,000 residents annually, a robust 14% more than the average metro in our study,
13. Pittsburgh, PA
🏥 An Abundance of Care Pittsburgh is another standout when it comes to LGBTQ health care accessibility, offering 2.72 LGBTQ-affirming health care providers per 100,000 residents. That’s 94% higher than the average metro in our study, ensuring that the community’s medical needs are well-cared for.
Pittsburgh is leading the way in municipal policies that protect LGBTQ residents. These policies are backed by a thriving community whose culture is also putting Pittsburgh on the map as an LGBTQ destination.
Pittsburgh hosts 0.08 pride events per 100,000 residents each year — 14% more than the average metro in our study (0.07).
But Pittsburgh isn’t just about parades. It’s also a city of acceptance. With just 14% of residents opposing non-discrimination laws, there are 26% fewer Pittsburghers in opposition to these protections than the national average (19%).
14. Baltimore, MD
⚖️ Tipping the Scales While not perfect, Maryland does stand out from the crowd. With a state equality tally score of 31.5, Maryland’s score is 89% higher than the average score of 16.7.
With an impressive 0.14 PFLAG chapters per 100,000 residents, Baltimore is home to 75% more PFLAG chapters than the average city (0.08). Baltimore also champions health care accessibility, boasting an estimated 1.76 LGBTQ-affirming health care providers per 100,000 residents — 26% more than the national average (1.4).
Although Maryland’s LGBTQ+ population hovers just below the national proportion at 5%, Baltimore stands out with its dedication to progress. It not only hosts an NGLCC chapter, but it also proudly boasts a perfect municipal equality score of 100, showcasing a commitment to ensuring LGBTQ rights are protected via policy and support for LGBTQ business.
15. Milwaukee, WI
👪 In Good Company Family support is crucial for the well-being of LGBTQ individuals. With 0.13 PFLAG chapters per 100,000 residents, Milwaukee has 63% more chapters than the average city in our study (0.08).
The Milwaukee metro area shines with 0.45 gay bars per 100,000 residents — 50% more than the 0.3 in the average city. Additionally, Milwaukee residents demonstrate a lower rate of opposition to same-sex marriage. Just 24% of Milwaukeeans oppose same-sex marriage, which is 11% less than the national average of 27%.
Furthermore, Wisconsin earned a state equality tally score of 18.5, an 11% higher than the average state tally score of 16.7.
In 2008, Dan Leveille, 35, was studying computer science at the Rochester Institute of Technology when California voters passed Proposition 8, eliminating the right of same-sex couples to marry in the state. It was a sucker punch to the queer community, including Leveille, who found himself wanting to bring order to how he thought about LGBTQ+ rights in the US.
His solution was Equaldex, a passion project that visualizes the state of queer rights not only at home but around the world. The site has become a trusted resource for governments, the media, and LGBTQ+ travelers everywhere.
Related:
LGBTQ Nation spoke with Leveille about Equaldex from his home in Los Angeles.
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LGBTQ Nation: What inspired you to come up with an LGBTQ+ rights visualization tool?
Dan Leveille: When the Prop 8 stuff happened, I got pretty interested in it. And then there were a lot of states that were legalizing same-sex marriage, and a lot of laws were changing. And I remember at some point I was like, “Wait, did that state legalize it? When did that happen?” And I’m like, “Wow, I wish there was like some sort of site that showed all of these changes, like, a map.”
I launched it in 2014.
LGBTQ Nation: How did you envision it being used by others as you were building it?
DL: I first imagined it for my own use just tracking all the changes. But the number of countries that criminalize being gay, the number of countries that, you know, jailed people or even have the death penalty, that stuff is really compelling. And maybe the LGBTQ activists know this, but the general public might not. And I think bringing to light those facts is very important. This could kind of put pressure and visibility on the parts of the world that aren’t progressing.
LGBTQ Nation: What are some of the unexpected ways that Equaldex has been used since you put it up?
DL: One thing that is very obvious, probably, but just didn’t occur to me is how it’s used as a travel guide. That wasn’t immediately obvious to me, but it makes perfect sense. There’s been a lot of interest from travel agencies so that travelers will know, “Oh, this country you’re visiting, these laws, you might want to be careful or reconsider.”
General Electric, they use Equaldex data for some of their internal systems for traveling for employees. It makes sense because companies want to be careful about where they’re sending their employees, especially if there are laws against being gay.
LGBTQ Nation: Does General Electric throw you some bucks for using Equaldex?
DL: No, it’s generally not really a big deal to me. If a company wants to apply this data, I don’t have any issue with it. I like keeping the service free, just in principle.
LGBTQ Nation: GE could make a donation for your trouble.
DL: Yeah, for sure.
LGBTQ Nation: What’s the most LGBTQ+-friendly country on the planet?
DL: Currently I have this system on the site called the Equality Index, which ranks legal rights and public opinion. It’s a newer metric that I added. The countries with the highest ranking right now are Iceland, as number one, and Denmark and Norway. Malta, the Netherlands and Canada are up there.
LGBTQ Nation: And what’s the country you identify as the most hostile to LGBTQ+ identity?
DL: If you’re looking at the Equality Index, the Middle East and Africa are generally the worst in terms of both the laws and the public opinion there.
Dan Levielle The LGBT Equality Index on Equaldex
LGBTQ Nation: You’re looking at the data pretty much every day. What are some of the trends that you can point out?
DL: That’s a good question. Outside of the Middle East and Africa, there’s definitely a lot of progress being made overall. I focus a lot on the US, and polling has shown overwhelmingly that, you know, things are moving positively in terms of the public opinion. Even Republicans and religious groups, they’re moving to being more open.
LGBTQ Nation: In the US, do you see the wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in red states as an anomaly, or is there anything in the data that indicates maybe those right-wing Republicans are on to something?
DL: Some of the US polls have shown that while it is becoming more accepted, it also is starting to polarize the more people are being exposed to it. So they have a lot of opinions on it. You know, you see things like drag queen bans and all those book bans and stuff, so people might form an opinion, whereas before, maybe they didn’t have an opinion. It’s interesting. We’re seeing a lot of progress in the US, but there are definitely some laws that are going backward. Hopefully it doesn’t continue that way.
LGBTQ Nation: The site would be a big undertaking for anyone, let alone somebody who’s just doing it as a passion project. Did you ever think, “I’m way over my head on this?”
DL: Yeah, definitely. Especially with big publications and even some governments and organizations that reference Equaldex. So when I see, like, the UN referencing it in one of their reports, I’m like, God, it’s a lot of pressure. Fortunately, I built Equaldex in a way where I don’t need to change everything myself, with such a big community of users who are contributing.
LGBTQ Nation: Tell us about those volunteers.
DL: When I first started Equaldex, there were a lot of people who were very interested in the project, and I got a handful of people who were just super passionate about it. They were super crucial in the first six months to a year of the site. Like, we had all these countries with no data, and people were just going in, adding all the laws. We’ve added a Discord community, as well, that has been really great at attracting editors and moderators.
LGBTQ Nation: Who pays for all of this?
DL: I pay for it myself. It’s not super expensive to run. And I share the cost with a pretty successful gaming app I run called Dododex, which is a companion app for the game ARK. And that helps to pay for software and Chat GPT to help program and stuff.
LGBTQ Nation: What’s the participation rate in some of those red countries for people who help out with the site?
DL: It’s very low. It’s challenging, especially when there are language barriers, too. But in really red countries, those users probably don’t want to publicly join a service like Equaldex, for reasons you can imagine. Fortunately, there are a lot of international organizations, research organizations who dig into the laws and maybe expose some of the things that are happening there, and we do have a handful of contributors who are from countries more familiar with those places.
LGBTQ Nation: Who are some of your go-to’s for the information you’re putting up?
DL: When we’re sourcing laws we try to get to the actual government site that shows what the law is. Unfortunately, sometimes what the government is saying is different than what they’re actually doing. We reference some big LGBT organizations like ILGA. The UN has some great resources exposing things in these homophobic countries. And of course, you know, reputable sources, the BBC, CNN, sites like yours who are reporting.
In terms of like, public opinion, there are a lot of really great organizations like Gallup that are always our go-to’s in terms of public opinion data.
LGBTQ Nation: What’s new on the site?
DL: I am working on a new feature that will — I hate to call it, like, a Yelp for LGBTQ rights, but it’s kind of that same idea where you’ll be able to share your opinion of the state or the province or the country that you lived in and share how comfortable you were about being open in public. What are politicians like? Are there out celebrities? Things like that. If you’ve lived there you have more experience, and it helps people who are traveling, so they can be like, “Okay, definitely don’t hold hands with my partner in public.” And even like, hotel reservations. In some countries you shouldn’t reserve a single bed with your partner in the same room. Stuff like that is good to know, and you might not think of it.
LGBTQ Nation: What’s been the most satisfying part of Equaldex for you so far?
DL: I think seeing the big publications and organizations use the site. There are a bunch of Ivy League schools that reference Equaldex for their students when they’re traveling. The UN, the UK Government, the US government, they’ve all read it and reference it. It makes me really proud, like, “Wow, this is something that people are very interested in.” So it kind of validates the work I’ve been doing for many years.
At a more personal level, hearing that people use it and it’s super helpful is super validating. When people say, like, “Oh, I always use it. Make sure to check Equaldex before you travel,” it’s really rewarding to hear it’s helpful to people in that way.
